If Sterling Bank CEO Yemi Adeola wanted to prolong his stay in his position, he had no shortage of sit-tight leaders in the political arena and world of business to emulate. But unlike those fatuous Emperors for life who have turned whole countries and organizations into their personal kingdoms, Yemi knows that maintaining the status quo for too long will lead to stagnation. Hence he has decided to step down while the ovation is loudest. Effective April 1, 2018,he will hand over the reins of Sterling Bank to his protégé Abubakar Suleiman.
After 14 years of service as a founding director and 10 years as substantive chief executive officer of Sterling Bank, Yemi felt the time was right to move on to other adventures. But unlike the situation with some other banks where the replacement of a CEO led to civil war among senior management, the process with Sterling Bank was smooth and gradual. The net was cast wide in search of suitable candidates to replace the indefatigable Adeola, at the end of which Abubakar Suleiman emerged as the chosen one.
Rather than thrust him abruptly into the financial sector pond where he would be at risk of being eaten by sharks, Suleiman was gradually groomed into the role. He was made the Executive Director, Finance & Strategy in 2012, and has been learning the ropes under Adeola’s tutelage in preparation for taking over as the new CEO of Sterling Bank.
However, with the recent announcement by the management of Sterling, it seems the lessons have been completed, andYemiAdeola can happily ride off into the sunset safe in the knowledge that he is leaving his beloved bank in capable hands.