Executive Profile: Rakesh Jha

Managing Director, Barclays Bank of Uganda (since September 2014)

Jha joined the Barclays Bank of Uganda from Barclays Bank of Seychelles where he was also the Managing Director and chief executive officer. He has had a long career in banking serving in different positions across different banks in various countries.

Jha joined at a time when Barclays Bank was changing majority ownership from the London-based Barclays Pls to Barclays Africa Group. He will also oversee the rebranding process from the Barclays brand that has been in Uganda for over 90 years to Absa and a subsequent pan-african identity.

He has increased the use of digital technology in the bank operations and also spearheaded more interactions with bank customers to improve service delivery. Jha hopes that this approach will make Barclays Bank more sustainable as it will grow alongside its customers and also become one of the top three biggest banks in Uganda.

He is active in the banking community, serving on various committees and associations in the sector.

Other board memberships: Forum of South African Businesses in Uganda (executive committee), Barclays Africa Group (Senior Leadership Group), Institute of Banking and Financial Services (independent board member), Uganda Bankers Association (Vice Chairman)