Koch to lead Bank Windhoek retail
Bank Windhoek has appointed Leon Koch as executive officer for Retail Banking Services, with effect from 1 July 2026.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday and confirms Koch in the permanent role after he had been serving in an acting capacity.
Koch, who has more than 35 years of experience in the banking and insurance sectors, will oversee one of the bank's largest customer-facing divisions. The portfolio includes Bank Windhoek's branches and agencies nationwide, as well as its Vehicle and Asset Finance and Property Finance businesses.
Koch joined Bank Windhoek in 2017 and has held several senior executive positions, including Executive Officer for Capricorn Private Wealth, Commercial and Bancassurance, and most recently Business Banking. During his tenure, he also served as acting Executive Officer for Retail Banking Services and Capricorn Private Wealth.
Bank Windhoek MD James Chapman said Koch's appointment reinforces the bank's focus on customer service and relationship banking.
"Leon Koch brings deep market knowledge, proven executive experience and a clear understanding of what customers expect from a proudly Namibian bank. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance customer experience, grow trusted relationships and deliver solutions that support the financial aspirations of our customers," Chapman said.
According to the bank, Koch's career spans personal, commercial and branch banking, as well as senior management and executive positions in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa.
Chapman said Koch's experience in the industry, knowledge of the local banking market and customer-focused approach position him to lead the Retail Banking Services division through its next phase of growth.
Koch holds a Master of Science in International Banking and Finance from the University of Salford, completed through Salford Business School in Zurich. He has also completed the Senior Management Development Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Pretoria and the Management Development Programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
