CRC Credit Bureau Names Jelilat Kareem First Executive Director
CRC Credit Bureau Limited has appointed Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as its first Executive Director, following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Joel Owoade, commended the appointment, noting that the elevation reflects CRC’s strong corporate governance culture and its succession planning policy. He said the promotion, made from within, would further strengthen management and boost staff morale.
Describing the move as well-deserved, Owoade expressed confidence that it would motivate Mrs. Kareem to continue delivering excellent performance.
Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. ’Tunde Popoola, called the appointment “historic,” being the first of its kind at the institution. He said Mrs. Kareem earned her place on the Board, having been part of CRC since its inception in 2008 and contributing significantly to its position as the largest private credit bureau in Africa.
According to him, “Her appointment is a reward for hard work, diligence, and outstanding performance. It reflects CRC’s commitment to rewarding excellence and empowering capable talent from within.”
Dr. Popoola added that the appointment would strengthen the organisation and support its mission to expand credit access, deepen financial inclusion, and advance Nigeria’s economic growth.
Mrs. Jelilat Kareem joined CRC in 2008 as Head of Finance and Corporate Services and rose to become Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Finance, Enterprise-Wide Services, Operations, and Technology. Her leadership has driven efficiency, improved governance, and enhanced the company’s service delivery.
With more than 24 years of experience spanning finance, risk, strategy, and governance, she brings extensive expertise to her new role.
Kareem holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and an alumna of Lagos Business School and Wharton Business School.
CRC Credit Bureau remains a pioneer in Nigeria’s credit information services industry, known for its integrity, excellence, and role in promoting responsible lending and a strong credit culture across the country.
