Alkarim Jiwa belongs firmly to the category of professionals who seem to have been built for leadership. As Finance and Strategy Director at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), a role he has held since 2018, Jiwa sits at the intersection of financial governance, strategic planning, and executive leadership at one of East Africa’s most respected banking institutions.
His is not a career defined by a single title or a solitary achievement, but by the sustained, compounding effect of a professional who has consistently operated at the highest levels of institutional finance — and delivered.
A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Jiwa combines technical rigour with strategic vision, earning recognition for his results-driven approach and commitment to sustainable growth in competitive markets.
Jiwa’s long and distinguished tenure at Diamond Trust Bank began in February 1998 when he joined as Chief Finance Officer, a role he held for many years before transitioning to his current expanded responsibilities on the board as Finance Director.
Over nearly three decades with DTB, he has overseen critical areas such as financial reporting, strategic planning, executive oversight, and high-performance team building, contributing to the institution’s stability and expansion across East Africa. His enduring presence at the bank reflects strong institutional knowledge and trusted leadership in navigating economic cycles and regulatory demands.
Before his extensive career at DTB, Jiwa built foundational expertise in auditing and compliance as Audit Manager at PKF Kenya from 1989 to 1998. In this early role, he honed skills in financial controls, team coordination, and rigorous audit principles, qualities that later propelled his rise in corporate finance.
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Starting his professional journey at a young age, this period provided him with hands-on experience in high standards of accuracy and ethical oversight, setting the stage for his transition into senior banking leadership.
In addition to his primary role at Diamond Trust Bank, Jiwa serves as a Non-Executive Director at Serena Hotels (TPS Eastern Africa), a position he has held since January 2022. Bringing his financial acumen to the hospitality industry, he contributes strategic thinking, governance, and oversight to one of East Africa’s prominent hotel groups. This board involvement highlights his versatility beyond banking, applying cross-sector insights to support long-term value creation and operational excellence.
TheCFO Magazine’s CFO of the Week recognizes exceptional Chief Financial Officers across the globe, celebrating their outstanding leadership, impactful achievements, innovative solutions, extensive industry expertise, and invaluable contributions to their organizations.
