Yemi Cardoso: Former chairman of Citibank Nigeria, a distinguished leader in the financial and development sectors with over 30 years’ experience in the private, public and not-for-profit organisations. With diverse corporate governance experience, Mr Cardoso has also sat on the boards of Nigerian subsidiaries of Texaco and Chevron and chaired the board of EFInA, a financial sector development organisation supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
Mr. Cardoso served in government as the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State, where he championed the financial reform process which led to the state’s development of independent tax revenues.
In his capacity as a consultant and policy expert, Yemi has advised and collaborated with major international development organisations including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organization and the Swedish Development Foundation.
Mr. Yemi Cardoso started his banking career with Citibank, where he eventually rose to the position of Vice President leaving to co-found Citizens International Bank, where he was an Executive Director for eight years.
He is the recipient of several awards including an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi.
EDUCATION
1978-1980: BSc Managerial & admin studies – Aston University
2004-2005: MSc Public Admin – Harvard Kennedy School
2017: Doctor of Business Administration, Aston University
EXPERIENCE
1981-1990: VP Citibank, Nigeria
1990-1997: ED, Citizens Int’l Bank
1997-1999: Principal Partner, FBC Associates
1999-2005: Commissioner, Min. of Planning & Budget, Lagos
2005-2008: Board Member, Chevron Oil Plc
2005-2013: Chairman, World Bank LMDGP Project
2008-2014: Board Member, Harvard Kennedy School
2010-2015: Chairman, EFInA
2015-2019: Member, Cities Alliance
2015-2019: Member, Economic Advisory Council, Office of VP, Nigeria
2014-2020: Chair, West Africa, African Venture Philanthropy Alliance
2010-2022: Chairman, Citi Nigeria
2018-till date: Member of the Board of Advisor, Lagos Business School
2021-till date: Founding Board Member, Nigeria National Advisory Board of Impact Investing