Tayo Aderinokun, MD/ CEO GTBANK passes... 1955-2011

It is with a deep sense of loss, but with gratitude to God that I pay tribute to a Man amongst men, a man who was a role model if I must say so myself, to men and women alike - a strong force in the banking industry and a father and mentor to many - Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Tayo Aderinokun. He passed on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Aderinokun co-founded Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 1990 and served as Deputy Managing Director for 12 years between 1990 and 2002, after which he became the Managing Director, a position he held until his passing.

During his time as Managing Director, the Bank witnessed tremendous progress and growth and had emerged over the years as an industry leader, pacesetter of unique and progressive innovations in the banking industry. The Bank is now easily acknowledged and recognised as one of the most profitable and professionally managed corporate institutions in Nigeria and has been the recipient of several awards for exemplary corporate governance practices and excellent customer services

In addition, Mr. Aderinokun was also the recipient of numerous awards as an acknowledgement of his sterling leadership role in the achievements of the Bank. The awards include ‘Banker of the Year’ at the inaugural ThisDay Awards in 2006, 'Most Respected CEO' by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2008 and ‘African Banker of the Year’ by the “African Banker” magazine in September 2009. He was also a recipient of the National Award of Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Nigeria (FCIB).

Tayo was a Humanitarian, Buninessman and Philantropist. He is one Man who left positive prints in his walk in life - worth emulating. May God rest his soul.