On Saturday, February 18, BPR Bank Rwanda, a subsidiary of the KCB Group, launched its new Brand Purpose: For People, For Better, which is focused on building internal systems and policies geared toward enhancing its customers' experience. This was during an event held at Kigali Convention Center attended by the KCB Group Board Chairman, Andrew Kairu, the KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo, BPR Bank Managing Director, Patience Mutesi, outgoing Managing Director Odhiambo George, BPR Bank Chairman Board of Directors, George Rubagumya, as well as Board Directors, management and staff. As noted, brand repositioning is going to propel the bank to be more responsive, consistent, innovative, and accessible to all, thereby demonstrating it as the undisputed leader, said the Managing Director, Patience Mutesi, as she addressed the management and staff. The KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo, reiterated the need for a customer-first approach throughout all elements of business operations. The bank is moving to put the customer at the center of everything it does. In addition to putting the needs of customers above anything else, the bank will continue to become a catalyst in the transformation of the lives of communities in the region. ALSO READ: Patience Mutesi named BPR Bank Rwanda boss Mutesi became the new Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda effective February 1, 2023. She replaced Odhiambo, who was assigned new duties in KCB Group. Mutesi joined the bank after serving as Country Director for TradeMark East Africa since July 2016 where she oversaw a strategic trade facilitation program which contributed significantly towards increasing Rwanda's trade, investments and job creation. Since its establishment in 1975, BPR, known as the neighborhood bank, has been offering quality financial services and is now the bank with the largest network in Rwanda. In line with its strategy for expansion and enhancing financial inclusion across regions, KCB acquired BPR in April 2022. Their combined synergies and collated strengths created a robust entity that will generate significant value for its customers and key stakeholders. ALSO READ: KCB Group completes acquisition of Banque Populaire du Rwanda The partnership has given way for a strong capital and liquidity position for the bank and access to innovative products and services for customers. The acquisition of majority shareholding of BPR was successfully completed in August 2021, through outright purchase of Atlas Mara and Arise B.V. shares to a tune of $32 million, following approvals from both financial sector regulators in Kenya and Rwanda. BPR Bank Rwanda is now the second-largest bank in Rwanda with a network of 154 branches, playing a critical role to support a budding economy to drive financial inclusion in the country by focusing efforts on; inclusive growth, equality, financial opportunities, money management, investment initiatives, the standard of living, and poverty reduction.
