AYV News, July 17, 2025
The reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin (COOR, HCIB) as Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has been met with jubilation across all levels of the bank, with both senior and junior staff praising the decision as a testament to transformational leadership, institutional excellence and national progress.
Since assuming leadership of Rokel Commercial Bank in 2017, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin has been credited with steering the once-ailing institution into a modern, robust and competitive player in Sierra Leone’s financial landscape. His reappointment is seen not merely as a renewal of contract, but as a continuation of a legacy of visionary leadership marked by financial growth, digital innovation and people-centered transformation.
In an official congratulatory message, the Senior Staff Association of Rokel Commercial Bank described the reappointment as well-deserved and reflective of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s exceptional performance.
They highlighted that under his leadership, the bank has grown significantly in strength, reputation and resilience.
The Association further emphasized that his strategic direction has inspired innovation, fostered a culture of accountability and elevated the bank’s standing as a benchmark of integrity and performance within the financial sector. Pledging their continued loyalty and support, the Senior Staff Association expressed confidence that the institution would reach even greater heights under his renewed mandate.
Equally enthusiastic in their reaction, the Junior Staff Association offered heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin and extended appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for what they described as a wise and forward-looking decision. They stated that the reappointment was not just a Management decision, but a powerful endorsement of a leader whose vision has empowered not only the bank but its employees.
The Junior Staff Association acknowledged Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s deep commitment to building a dynamic, technology-driven institution that actively promotes the growth and development of its junior workforce. According to them, his open-door leadership style and investments in staff capacity have created a sense of belonging and professional purpose among younger employees.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s track record since assuming office is widely seen as one of the most remarkable success stories in Sierra Leone’s banking sector. One of his most significant achievements was the recapitalization of the bank, increasing its operating capital from Le 91 billion to Le 271 billion.
This made Rokel Commercial Bank the first commercial bank in Sierra Leone to meet and exceed the Central Bank’s capital requirements within a year; an achievement that drew commendation from both national and international observers. Today, he oversees 18 branches and 9 outlets across the country and continues to champion financial inclusion through the deployment of additional ATMs, the rollout of digital banking platforms and the development of tailored products for underserved communities.
Beyond institutional achievements, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin has also received national recognition for his contributions. He was awarded the Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest national honor, for his outstanding service to the banking sector.
He is a seasoned banker with an MSc in International Business from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, and formerly served as Director of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone. He has also represented Sierra Leone in international financial forums, sharing insights on institutional reform, public sector banking transformation, and economic empowerment.
As he embarks on a new chapter of service, the reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin is being viewed by stakeholders as a strategic continuation of a journey that has redefined public banking in Sierra Leone. The renewed support from both senior and junior staff underscores his role not only as a leader of an institution but as a national asset whose integrity, expertise and vision continue to inspire hope and pride.
The widespread applause following the announcement speaks volumes about the trust and admiration Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin commands within the Rokel Commercial Bank family and beyond. His leadership has come to symbolize what is possible when competence, patriotism and innovation are placed at the heart of public service.
