Abubakar Suleiman is the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, where he is driving a mission to optimize financial intermediation in critical sectors that catalyze growth and foster shared prosperity in Nigeria. He is an economist and banker with over two decades of experience in consulting and financial services. Under his leadership, the Bank launched the HEART initiative, focusing on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, while also pioneering digital transformation and non-interest banking through The Alternative Bank.

Before becoming CEO, Abubakar served as Sterling Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer, and previously worked with Arthur Andersen and Citibank Nigeria. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Abuja and a Master’s in Major Program Management from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

A strong advocate for sustainability and inclusive growth, Abubakar serves on the governing councils of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Teach For Nigeria, as well as the advisory boards of Lagos Business School and the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.