Bob Diamond takes interim chairman role at Africa-focused banking firm Atlas Mara
Former Barclays boss Bob Diamond has been appointed interim chairman of African banking firm Atlas Mara.
He will step in to the role when current chairman Arnold Ekpe stands down on 1 December.
"It has been a privilege to serve as chairman of Atlas Mara," Ekpe said. "What the team has achieved in establishing and building Atlas Mara over such a short time is remarkable.
"I believe the foundation has been laid for the future growth and success of the group. I wish the board and all the talented people who work at Atlas Mara every success in the future."
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Diamond added: "All of us on the board want to thank Arnold for the leadership he has provided over an extraordinary period of growth at Atlas Mara. I personally want to thank him for all he has done to help the group achieve its goals. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."
Diamond, who led Barclays from 2011 to 2012, co-founded Atlas Mara in 2013. The financial services firm focuses on the African banking sector, and says its aim is to "create sub-Saharan Africa's premier financial institution".
Atlas Mara is in ongoing talks with Diamond's former employer about buying Barclays' Africa arm.