Kenyan banker wins top awardBy NATION Reporter | Monday, June 11  2012 at  12:32

Mr James Mwangi the chief executive officer of the Kenya-headquartered Equity Bank was Friday named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012.

The awards ceremony was held in Monte Carlo’s Salle des Etoiles.

Dr Mwangi was picked from 59 country finalists vying for the title across 51 countries, each of whom had already been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in their home countries.

"I’m honoured to accept this award on behalf of the people and customers of Equity Bank,” he said.

"This is a global recognition for Africans who are embracing the power of entrepreneurship to change the economic and social state of Africa.”

Mr Ruben Vardanian, President, Troika Dialog and Chair of the judging panel said, “Not only has James really transformed people’s lives across Africa by offering them access to funding that they have never had before, Equity Bank continues to grow quickly through a strong financial performance.”

Equity Bank, the largest by customer base in Kenya, also has presence in Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda.