Kemi Ajumobi 
Dalu Ajene
CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria
According to Travis Bradberry, the award winning author, “One of the toughest things for leaders to master is kindness.” So when, a while back, I saw the person we are celebrating in this section today write about kindness the way he did, for me, it means, as hard as Travis says it is for leaders to master kindness, there are those who understand the beauty of the combo: Leadership and Kindness! He is Dalu Ajene, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria.
Why do I say so? Follow me. A while back after a fire outbreak that occurred near their head office, Dalu said he was reminded of the transformative power of kindness and community. He specifically mentioned the swift response from their neighbours at the Naval Dockyard, who not only mitigated the situation but also exemplified the value of being a neighbour’s keeper.
“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the impact of small acts of kindness. Yet, these everyday actions can foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and compassion.” Dalu said, adding that “As leaders, it is important to prioritise kindness and foster community, both in our personal and professional lives. It is also expedient to be advocates that encourage our teams to do likewise.” He admonished.
He went further to extend his heartfelt gratitude to Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu and the Naval Dockyard for their support. “Their actions demonstrate that even in challenging times, neighbourliness and kindness can make all the difference.” Dalu stated.
Dalu Ajene is a seasoned financial services executive with over two decades of international banking experience across Africa, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
Ajene has held senior roles at Credit Suisse, BNP Paribas, Bank of America and Bear Stearns, and was instrumental in launching Rand Merchant Bank in Nigeria, where he worked for over ten years in various local and group functions, ultimately serving as its CEO.
Since joining Standard Chartered in 2024, Dalu has led the bank’s vision to connect Nigerian clients to global opportunities. He has been a champion for global subsidiaries, financial institutions and wealth and retail clients to deliver sustainable impact and economic transformation.
He holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategy from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Metropolitan Club and other non-profit endeavours. Outside the boardroom, he is passionate about youth empowerment and community development. Dalu is married and has two sons and enjoys long-distance running and squash.