Standard Chartered Makes Leadership Changes as MD Kariuki Ngari Exits After 24 Years

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited has announced leadership changes within the company.

In a notice dated Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Board, through the Company Secretary, Judy Nyaga, announced the retirement of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kariuki Ngari after a 24-year career with the company.

“The Board of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited (“the Bank”) announces that Kariuki Ngari will retire from his role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on 16 April 2026, following a distinguished 24-year career with Standard Chartered,” read part of the notice.

Kariuki was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in March 2019. According to the Board, during Kariuki’s tenure, he led the Bank’s transformation, significantly accelerating the shift to digital, resulting in over 90% of all transactions now being completed digitally across the Bank.

Standard Chartered Announces Kariuki Ngari’s Retirement

Shareholders have also benefited from strong and resilient financial performance over the period.

Additionally, the Board stated that he led the repositioning of Wealth and Retail Banking from a traditional savings-focused segment to a leading wealth-focused segment with world-class products and expertise, as demonstrated by the significant increase in the Bank’s Assets Under Management (AUM) to match deposits held.

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Beyond financial performance, the Board credited Kariuki with being at the forefront of the Bank’s sustainability and community impact agenda, advancing initiatives aligned with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. Through flagship programmes in employment and entrepreneurship, he helped the Bank deepen its role as a trusted partner in the communities it serves.

“Notably, participation in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has increased by 78%, resulting in fundraising for Futuremakers initiatives growing by 76% to a record KES 76 million,” said the Board.

The Board expressed its gratitude to Kariuki for his exemplary and transformative leadership, which has made a profound and lasting impact on the Bank. They wished him every success in his future endeavours.

Board Announces Birju Sanghrajka as Kariuki’s Replacement

At the same time, the Board announced the replacement of Kariuki Ngari with Birju Sanghrajka.

“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Birju Sanghrajka as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Coverage for Kenya, subject to regulatory approvals,” read the notice.

Birju is currently the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Coverage, Kenya, and has been an Executive Director on the Board since July 2021.

According to the Board, Birju has over 26 years of experience with Standard Chartered, having held senior positions in Corporate and Investment Banking across Kenya, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

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The Board stated that his deep client relationships, cross-border expertise, and track record of building strong teams, delivering innovative solutions, and sustained performance position him well to succeed Kariuki and to lead the Bank into its next phase of sustainable, value-driven growth.

Birju holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Business Economics and Finance from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

Further, the Board congratulated Birju on his appointment and is confident that he will successfully steer the Bank through its next phase of growth.

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Standard Chartered Bank building in Nairobi CBD. PHOTO/NMG