
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has announced the appointment of Justina Stella Laing as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The move is a strategic step aimed at bolstering the bank's operational leadership as it pursues a comprehensive brand transformation agenda. In this role, Laing will be responsible for overseeing both the operational and technological functions of the institution, ensuring that the bank’s internal processes align with its broader growth objectives.
Laing brings more than 18 years of extensive experience in the financial services sector to the bank. Throughout her career, she has managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios and spearheaded significant financial initiatives. Prior to joining UMB, she held senior leadership positions at CalBank PLC and provided specialized consultancy services within the energy and agribusiness sectors. Her academic credentials include a master’s degree in Agribusiness from the University of Florida, reflecting a diverse professional background that bridges finance and industry-specific strategy.
In her capacity as COO, Laing is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the customer experience through increased operational efficiency. Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, the Managing Director of UMB, highlighted the importance of reliability in the bank’s operations, noting that Laing's expertise will be crucial in achieving this goal. For her part, Laing expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating her commitment to converting the bank’s strategic objectives into actionable results while fostering high performance within her team to create long-term value for stakeholders.
This appointment comes at a time when UMB is actively working to strengthen its market position and deepen its relationships with customers. By integrating advanced technological functions with robust operational management, the bank aims to streamline its services and deliver greater value in an increasingly digital environment. Laing’s leadership is anticipated to be a catalyst for these improvements, supporting UMB’s mission to remain a competitive force in Ghana’s banking landscape.
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