CRC Credit Bureau Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as its first Executive Director, a development that has since been confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Joel Owoade, Chairman of the Board, commended the choice of Mrs. Kareem as ED of CRC, noting that the Board places great emphasis on corporate governance and that her elevation aligns with the company’s cherished succession planning policy. He stated that the appointment would strengthen the company’s management, and because it was made from within, it would boost the morale of both Mrs. Kareem and the entire staff. Describing the appointment as well-deserved, he expressed confidence that it would further motivate her to continue performing her duties with excellence.
In the same vein, Dr. ‘Tunde Popoola, Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau, described the appointment as historic, being the first of its kind for the prestigious institution. According to him, Mrs. Kareem truly deserves her place on the Board, having been part of the company since its establishment in 2008 and contributing immensely to its enviable position as the industry leader and the largest single-unit private credit bureau in Africa. He emphasised that her appointment is a reward for hard work, diligence, and outstanding performance, reflecting CRC’s commitment to rewarding excellence and empowering capable talent from within. Dr. Popoola added that the company is confident that her appointment will further strengthen the organisation and support its mission of promoting access to credit, driving financial inclusion, and advancing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Mrs. Jelilat Kareem is an exceptional professional whose dedication and leadership have significantly shaped CRC’s success over the years. She joined the company in 2008 as Head of Finance and Corporate Services, and through her outstanding contributions, rose to become Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Finance, Enterprise-Wide Services, Operations, and Technology functions. Her leadership has strengthened governance, enhanced efficiency, and deepened the quality of the company’s delivery service. With over 24 years of experience spanning finance, risk, strategy, and governance, Jelilat brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering passion for excellence to this new role.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, 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 Accountants (ACCA), and an alumna of both the Lagos Business School and the Wharton Business School.
CRC Credit Bureau has, over the years, remained a pioneer and leader in Nigeria’s credit information services industry. The company has built a strong reputation as a trusted institution guided by integrity and excellence, helping lenders and businesses make informed financial choices while fostering a stronger credit culture across the nation.
