Bank Windhoek chairperson Johan Swanepoel announced the appointment of James Chapman as managing director designate of the Bank with effect from 1 February 2025.

This is following the conclusion of a comprehensive recruitment process and approval by the Bank of Namibia. 

The appointment follows the announcement by Bank Windhoek in September 2024 that its current managing director Baronice Hans will complete her tenure at the end of June 2025.

She has served the Bank with distinction since 1 July 2016. 

She has been the first female and longest-serving managing director of the Bank in its 42-year history.

She has led Bank Windhoek through challenging economic and social conditions, with unwavering dedication and resilience. 

Chapman, a chartered accountant by profession, holds a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in Accounting from Stellenbosch University. 

He has been part of Capricorn Group and Bank Windhoek for the past 11 years.

He has served in various executive roles. 

For the past four years, he has served as the Bank’s executive officer for retail banking services and specialist finance following a four-year tour of duty as chief financial officer of Bank Windhoek. 

He serves as a director on various boards within Capricorn Group, including Santam Namibia Ltd. 

“On behalf of the board of directors, management and staff of Bank Windhoek and the entire Capricorn Group, I would like to congratulate Chapman on his appointment as the managing director designate of the Bank. I am confident that he will add tremendous value, and build on the success Bank Windhoek achieved under the exceptional leadership of Hans and her predecessors. With his strong leadership and business acumen, solid foundation in banking and financial management, and strong track record of delivering growth and implementing change, we are confident that Chapman will lead Bank Windhoek successfully into the future,” said Swanepoel. 

“I am extremely honoured with the trust that the board has placed in me to lead Bank Windhoek, a truly Namibian bank with a rich history, a legacy of service excellence and deep connections to our community. I will build on this foundation, working collaboratively with our talented team, and embracing innovation to drive sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value to our clients, stakeholders and the broader Namibian economy. I look forward to working with Hans as part of the leadership transition process to ensure that I build on the solid foundation that she has established during her remarkable tenure,” commented Chapman on his appointment.