Tesfaye Boru Lelissa (PhD): Roles, Education, and Professional Achievements
Tesfaye Boru Lelissa (PhD)
CEO - Global Bank of Ethiopia
As CEO of Global Bank Ethiopia S.C. since mid-2019, Dr Tesfaye Boru has spent more than two decades honing his craft—from processing loan applications as a junior officer to charting strategic direction at the very top.
A Career Built on Hands-On Experience
Tesfaye’s journey began over 22 years ago at United Bank, where he cut his teeth in credit. He went on to serve as a bank examiner at the National Bank of Ethiopia, managed risk and compliance at Zemen Bank, and led innovation at Zemen’s Knowledge & Innovation Department. He then shaped international banking and operations at Global bank of Ethiopia formerly known as Debub Global Bank, and then stepped up as CEO/President.
An Academic Powerhouse
Beyond the day-to-day demands of running a bank, Tesfaye holds dual Ph.D. degrees—one in Business Leadership from UNISA (South Africa) and another in Economics from Selinus University (Italy). He’s also an FCCA (UK Chartered Accountant), earned two B.A. degrees (Economics and Management), an MBA, and honed his leadership skills at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute.
Board Roles and Industry Recognition
He chairs Lucy Insurance S.C., sits on the boards of EthSwitch and Jimma University, and was an honoree of the African Banking Leadership Special Commendation Award in Washington, D.C. In every role, Dr Tesfaye Boru champions smarter processes, tighter controls, and team-driven innovation.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Banking
Under his leadership, Global Bank Ethiopia has rolled out digital platforms, refined financial reporting, and built partnerships that put customer needs first. Tesfaye believes that banking isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowering businesses and communities to thrive.
