Thierry Tanoh : a return to the private sector with Groupe Duval
After a distinguished career in finance and a stint in politics, Thierry Tanoh is making his grand return to the private sector. The former Ivorian minister has just been appointed as the President of Africa for Groupe Duval, a major player in real estate and investment. This appointment marks a new chapter in the career of this seasoned financier, whose expertise has been demonstrated both in large banking institutions and in public administration. A look back at his journey.
A graduate of the École Supérieure de Commerce of Abidjan (ESCA) and Harvard Business School, Thierry Tanoh quickly made a name for himself in the field of finance. He joined the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a subsidiary of the World Bank, where he rose through the ranks to become Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
In 2012, he took the helm of Ecobank as CEO, becoming one of the few Francophones to lead a large pan-African bank. His tenure at the institution was marked by governance reforms and internal tensions, which led to his controversial departure in 2014. Despite this episode, his influence in the banking sector remains undeniable.
A stint in ivorian politics
After his experience in banking, Thierry Tanoh ventured into politics by joining the Ivorian government. He was appointed as an advisor to President Alassane Ouattara before becoming the Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Renewable Energy in 2017. His tenure was marked by initiatives aimed at modernizing the Ivorian energy sector and attracting investments. However, he left the government in 2018, marking the end of his political chapter.
A new chapter with Groupe Duval
With his appointment as President of Africa for Groupe Duval, Thierry Tanoh returns to the private sector. The French group, founded by Eric Duval, is a major player in real estate, hospitality, and investment, with a growing presence on the African continent. By leading the group’s African operations, Thierry Tanoh will be tasked with accelerating its expansion and developing strategic business opportunities on the continent.
His return to the private sector marks a turning point in his career, confirming his status as a key figure in the business world in Africa. His expertise and network are expected to enable him to play a crucial role in Groupe Duval’s development on the continent.
The group has also announced the appointment of Laureen Kouassi-Olsson as the Secretary-General for Africa. « We are delighted to welcome Thierry Tanoh and Laureen Kouassi-Olsson to our leadership team, » says Louis-Victor Duval, CEO of Groupe Duval. « Their expertise and deep knowledge of the African market will be invaluable assets for the long-term development of our activities on this strategic continent for our group. We are confident that their leadership will significantly contribute to the growth and success of Groupe Duval in Africa. »
