Equity Group hires Christopher Newson as Non-Executive Director to its board

Equity Group Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Christopher Newson as a Non-Executive Director to its Board. 

Newson, a career banker, has more than 29 years of experience in investment and commercial banking and alternative asset management gained in Sub-Saharan Africa, and spent nine years at the chief executive level.  

He spent 24 years with the Standard Bank Group in several executive roles, including Standard Bank of Africa CEO, Stanbic IBTC Nigeria CEO and Director of Corporate and Investment Bank.  

Newson was a member of Stanbic Holdings Limited Board, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited Board, Stanbic Ghana, Standard Bank Mauritius and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc (Nigeria).  

He was recently the Director for Private Markets at Investec Asset Management, which morphed into Ninety-One Asset Management.  

Newson is currently the Non-Executive Chairman of Distell International Holdings Ltd and is a Non-Executive Director of Bayport Management Limited. 

Speaking on the appointment, Equity Group Chairman Prof Isaac Macharia described Newson as a seasoned banker with immense experience in East Africa that will be useful to the board in its strategic oversight. 

“His willingness to seek new challenges, resilience, energy, intellect and desire to make a difference make him a great fit for the Group,” said Macharia. 

Commenting on the board appointment, Newson said: 

“I am truly honored to join the Board of Equity Group, one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and at a time when we are expanding our footprint in DRC.” 

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Certification in Theory of Accounting (CTA) from the University of Cape Town and is a Chartered Accountant of South Africa and completed a Columbia Senior Executive Program.