Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has appointed accomplished financial executive Victor Opoku Brijuu as its new Group Head, Branch Network Up-Country, reinforcing the bank's ongoing business transformation and expansion strategy.
In his new role, Brijuu will provide strategic leadership for UMB's branch operations across key regions, including Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Western, and Northern regions. He is tasked with driving commercial performance, enhancing customer engagement, expanding market penetration, and elevating operational efficiency across the bank's up-country franchise.
The appointment underscores UMB's strategic drive to deepen customer relationships and position itself as Ghana’s preferred relationship bank.
Leadership Endorsement
Commenting on the appointment, the Managing Director of UMB, Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, emphasized that Brijuu’s industry reputation and execution capabilities align with the bank’s growth ambitions.
"UMB's transformation journey demands leaders who combine strategic vision with disciplined execution and an unwavering focus on customers. Victor has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout his career. His commercial acumen, leadership capability, and deep understanding of the banking landscape make him exceptionally well positioned to lead our branch network into its next phase of growth and transformation."
— Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, Managing Director, UMB
Nearly Two Decades of Industry Experience
Brijuu joins UMB with nearly 20 years of distinguished banking experience spanning corporate banking, regional business management, strategic relationship management, and business transformation.
First Atlantic Bank Ghana: Served as Head of the Large Corporate Department and Regional Head, overseeing complex credit and trade finance deals across key economic sectors, including manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and FMCG.
Other Senior Roles: Held strategic leadership positions at Energy Bank Ghana Limited and Bank of Africa Ghana, gaining broad expertise in risk management, business development, and corporate strategy.
"Branches Are the Heartbeat of Banking"
Reacting to his appointment, Victor Opoku Brijuu expressed enthusiasm for contributing to UMB's transformation agenda and expanding its customer-centric operations.
"I am honoured to join UMB at such an exciting point in its transformation journey. Branches remain the heartbeat of banking and the most visible expression of our promise to customers. My focus will be on empowering our people, strengthening customer relationships, and building a consistently high-performing branch network that combines operational excellence with exceptional customer experience."
— Victor Opoku Brijuu, Group Head, Branch Network Up-Country
