Excellence is the tool that you have, the weapon that you have to be able to conquer a bias. Over time, people will understand the value that you bring.
Arunma Oteh
Professional Overview
Leader | Economist| Global C-Suite Executive
A seasoned professional with 33 years of in-depth experience in finance, investments, development banking, and global business.
World Bank Tenure
As the Treasurer of the World Bank from 2015 to 2018, Arunma Oteh led a global team of 600 treasury professionals. She managed a debt portfolio of $200 billion, an asset portfolio of the same magnitude, and an advisory business serving 130 clients, including central banks and sovereign wealth funds. Her tenure was marked by the introduction of groundbreaking financing solutions like pandemic bonds and blockchain bonds, overseeing treasury operations that totaled $7 trillion.
C-Suite Leadership Experience
Arunma's C-suite roles have equipped her with profound strategic insights, crucial for Board-level decision-making. Notably, as the CEO of Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, she navigated post-global financial crisis challenges. Her experience as Group Vice President, Corporate Services, at the African Development Bank (AfDB), involved overseeing Human Resources, IT, Institutional Procurement, and Corporate Real Estate across 24 countries.
Global Engagement
Her role at the World Bank involved extensive engagement with 189 member countries, credit rating agencies, banks, investors, and other vital stakeholders. This provided her with invaluable skills and deep insights into key global business drivers.
Academic Pursuits and Contributions
Currently an Academic Scholar at the University of Oxford, Arunma Oteh is engaged in research focused on fintech, capital markets, sustainability, and economic development. A holder of a BSc in Computer Science (First Class Honors) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1984), and an MBA from Harvard Business School (1990), she is committed to supporting young people and contributing to society through her academic endeavors.
Recognitions
In 2011 Oteh was made an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of her contribution to economic development and to transforming the Nigerian capital markets. In 2011 she received the "Distinction In Public Service" award from the Commonwealth Business Council/African Business.In 2014, Oteh won the CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) Business Woman of the Year category for West Africa. In 2020, Forbes listed her among "Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women"
Looking Ahead...
Arunma Oteh envisages leveraging her extensive experience in her future roles as a Non-Executive Board member. Her rich career spans both private and public sectors, providing her with unique insights and capabilities to contribute meaningfully to various types of organizations.
Board Roles...
Arunma Oteh envisages leveraging her extensive experience in her future roles as a Non-Executive Board member. Her rich career spans both private and public sectors, providing her with unique insights and capabilities to contribute meaningfully to various types of organizations.