STANDARD Chartered Bank has officially appointed Irene Lombe Chibesakunda as its new board chairperson, following her tenure in the acting role after the resignation of Dolika Banda in August 2025. Ms Chibesakunda brings over 20 years of senior management experience spanning both public and private sectors, providing strong leadership in strategic finance and administration. Her appointment reflects the bank’s confidence in her ability to steer its operations and growth, particularly as Standard Chartered Zambia marks 120 years of service in the country. Having previously served as the first Zambian chief financial officer of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc, Ms Chibesakunda has a proven track record in financial management, governance, and institutional leadership. Her expertise positions her to provide guidance on complex strategic decisions while maintaining the bank’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
Ms Chibesakunda’s career demonstrates a breadth of experience across multiple high-level roles. She served as commissioner responsible for finance, human resources, and IT at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and as deputy commissioner for direct taxes at ZRA. She also held the position of CFO at Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc and worked as senior audit manager at KPMG in Zambia and Botswana. In addition, she contributed to public financial management as deputy accountant general at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Her involvement in the USAID-funded DAI SUNTA Project over the past two years highlights her capacity to lead in both advisory and operational roles, particularly in projects focused on sustainable development and capacity building.
Ms Chibesakunda holds fellowships with the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, cementing her professional credibility in finance and governance. She has served on several corporate boards, most recently representing ZCCMIH on the board of CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc until September 2025. Her experience on these boards has given her insight into corporate governance, risk management, and strategic planning, all essential skills for her new role at Standard Chartered Zambia. By combining local knowledge with international experience, she is well-positioned to guide the bank in aligning its operations with global best practices while responding to Zambia’s economic landscape.
Sonny Zulu, CEO of Standard Chartered Zambia, expressed confidence in Ms Chibesakunda’s leadership, noting her extensive experience as ideal for guiding the bank’s future. Her appointment comes at a significant milestone for the bank, marking 120 years of service in Zambia, and reinforces the institution’s commitment to strong governance and strategic growth. Under her chairmanship, the bank is expected to strengthen its operational efficiency, enhance financial innovation, and continue supporting initiatives that contribute to economic development. Ms Chibesakunda’s leadership promises to maintain the bank’s reputation as a trusted financial institution while advancing its strategic objectives. Her appointment underscores the importance of experienced and visionary leadership in shaping the future of banking in Zambia.