Woman of the Week: Mary Mulili, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Kenya

In East Africa’s fiercely competitive banking landscape, where agility, innovation, and customer-centric leadership determine long-term success, Mary Mulili is an exceptional leader.With a strong track record of delivering results and fostering inclusive growth, Mulili continues to position UBA Kenya as a dynamic, forward-thinking financial partner in one of the region’s most vibrant markets.

As the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Kenya, she brings nearly two decades of progressive banking experience, marked by a rare blend of business development acumen, institutional leadership, and a proven ability to drive sustainable market expansion.

Mulili’s career spans key areas including corporate and commercial banking, strategy execution, SME growth, retail, and digital transformation.

Since assuming leadership of UBA Kenya, Mulili has focused on positioning the bank as a dynamic financial partner for businesses, institutions, and individuals. She oversees the bank’s overall strategic direction, ensuring that operational performance aligns with the broader objectives of the UBA Group. Her role involves driving growth in corporate, retail, and SME banking while enhancing the bank’s reputation for innovation, customer service, and sustainable financial solutions within Kenya’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Mulili’s professional journey reflects deep expertise in corporate banking and business development. Prior to her current role, she served as General Manager for Business Development at Bank of Africa Kenya, where she played a key role in shaping strategy, strengthening brand positioning, and expanding market share. Her responsibilities included engaging with regulators, industry associations, and stakeholders to support the bank’s strategic goals while ensuring that operational processes and governance frameworks remained aligned with regulatory standards.

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Earlier in her career, Mulili held senior leadership positions at Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya and African Banking Corporation, where she led corporate banking teams responsible for driving asset growth, trade finance expansion, and portfolio performance. Her leadership involved guiding relationship managers and business development teams while contributing to key decision-making committees responsible for credit, strategy, and financial performance.

With a career spanning multiple financial institutions including KCB Bank Kenya and I&M Bank Kenya, Mulili has built a reputation for delivering results through disciplined strategy and collaborative leadership. Today, as CEO of UBA Kenya, she continues to champion innovation, customer-centric banking, and sustainable growth. Her vision is anchored in strengthening the bank’s market presence while supporting economic development and financial inclusion across Kenya and the wider East African region.

InstinctWomen’s Woman of the Week recognizes and celebrates female leaders who are disrupting the status quo and contributing to their respective industries across the globe.