Nedbank hires ex-MTN CIO Nikos Angelopoulos to lead digital shift

Nedbank has appointed former MTN Group Chief Information Officer Nikos Angelopoulos as its new chief information officer, effective September 1, 2026. Angelopoulos spent eight years at MTN overseeing technology strategy, cloud investments and digital infrastructure across 16 African markets serving more than 300 million customers. His appointment reflects a growing trend in African banks hiring telecom executives to lead digital transformation, as lenders seek expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cyber‑security to modernise core banking platforms.

The move follows similar hires elsewhere: Absa appointed former M‑PESA Africa CEO Sitoyo Lopokoiyit to head its Personal and Private Banking business in April 2026; Stanbic Bank Kenya named former Safaricom executive Michael Mutiga as CEO in July 2026; and Capitec promoted Andrew Baker to CIO in February 2026 to steer its next technology phase for over 25 million clients. Nedbank’s hire also completes a leadership shift that began when longtime Group CIO Ray Naicker resigned after more than two decades at the bank.

For Nigerians, the shift signals that local banks are likely to value telecom‑born expertise in cloud, AI and data security as they expand digital services. Professionals with telecom, fintech or cloud backgrounds may find new opportunities in banking, while investors should watch for banks that prioritize such hires as a sign of future‑ready tech strategy.

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/07/31/nedbank-hires-mtn-executive-as-cio/