Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) announced on Thursday that Naziha Belkeziz will step in as its new Chair and CEO, effective immediately, according to a statement issued by the company.
The bank’s board selected Belkeziz to replace Mohamed Karim Mounir, who will retire after nearly 30 years with BCP, including six years as CEO.
Known for her management skills and integrity, Belkeziz is the first woman to lead the bank.
The board thanked Mounir for his decades of work. His time with BCP included expanding the bank’s role in Morocco and Africa and leading several major initiatives that have increased BCP’s impact.
BCP’s board highlighted the bank’s important role in Morocco’s economy, including its efforts in financing entreprises and projects, mobilizing savings, and promoting financial inclusion.
Under Belkeziz’s leadership, BCP intends to strengthen its position in the Moroccan and African financial sectors, building on its past successes.
Currently the second largest bank in Morocco, BCP has an overall market capitalization of USD 4.9 billion. It currently operates in 32 countries, primarily located in Africa (North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, Mauritius and Madagascar) and Europe.