FMO appoints Fatoumata Bouare as new CRFO

Starting October 15, 2017, Fatoumata Bouare will join Dutch Development Bank FMO as the new Chief Risk & Finance Officer (CRFO). Together with Jürgen Rigterink as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Linda Broekhuizen as Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Bouare’s appointment completes FMO’s Management Board.

Bouare joins FMO from the Bank of Africa Group where she held the position of Director Risk Management Head. In her capacity as the highest-ranking risk professional at the Bank of Africa Group, she was in charge of all integral aspects of risk, including environmental, social and sustainability risks. In her new role, Bouare will succeed Rigterink, who observed the CRFO responsibilities in addition to his role as FMO’s CEO. The appointment is approved by the Dutch Central Bank and subject to informing FMO’s shareholders (September).

“We are delighted with the addition of Ms. Bouare to our Management Board,” said Rigterink. “Not only does she bring a wealth of experience in risk management and finance, she has deep understanding of international commercial and investment banking in emerging markets. Most specifically in Africa, a region of great importance to us. Last but not least, Ms. Bouare brings diversity of thought and culture to our Management Board, which will help us deepen the impact we are keen to create in emerging economies.”

On her appointment, Bouare stated: “This opportunity is very exciting and a logical next step in my career. My new role provides me with a unique opportunity to extend the contribution I can make to Africa, and to other developing markets. Needless to say, I am looking forward to this next chapter and I hope that my experience will help propel FMO’s contribution to local prosperity.”

Bouare’s early career developed primarily with blue-chip multinationals. Working first in treasury and finance, she held several regional finance roles with Citibank, where she eventually transitioned to risk management. Prior to her latest role with the Bank of Africa Group, Bouare assumed various high level risk and finance positions. She was appointed Regional Chief Risk Officer for the West-African Monetary Union (WAMU) zone in Burkina Faso (2009) and then joined the Bank of Africa in 2010 where she was appointed Deputy CEO of the Bank’s branch in Benin. Bouare has a degree in Engineering (Ivory Coast) and a Master of Business Administration (France).