First National Bank has named Adwoa Boateng Addo as its new Chief People Officer, signaling a strategic emphasis on internal talent development and enhanced HR practices. The promotion of Adwoa Boateng Addo from her previous role as Senior Human Resource Business Partner highlights the bank’s commitment to cultivating talent from within, a philosophy CEO Warren Adams refers to as ‘growing its own timber.’ This appointment places Adwoa Boateng Addo at the forefront of shaping the bank’s people strategy, leveraging her expertise to align human resources with First National Bank’s broader business objectives. As Chief People Officer, she is expected to drive initiatives that will enhance employee engagement and performance across the organization.

Prior to her appointment as Chief People Officer, Adwoa Boateng Addo distinguished herself as a key player in First National Bank’s HR division. As Senior Human Resource Business Partner, she spearheaded the implementation of several critical human resource initiatives, demonstrating her ability to build strong relationships and influence decisions at the executive level. Her leadership was instrumental in projects such as performance enablement and the development of the employee value proposition, showcasing her commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Adwoa Boateng Addo brings a wealth of academic and professional qualifications to her new role. She holds a Master of Science in International Human Resource Management from London South Bank University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Ghana. As an alumna of Achimota School, she carries a strong educational foundation that complements her practical experience. Furthermore, Adwoa Boateng Addo is a certified member of the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), underscoring her expertise in various HR domains, including talent management, employee relations, learning and development, reward systems, and HR analytics.

As Chief People Officer, Adwoa Boateng Addo will be responsible for the development and supervision of First National Bank’s strategic people initiatives. Her primary focus will be on driving improvements in talent development, enhancing performance enablement strategies, and refining the bank’s organizational design to optimize efficiency and employee satisfaction. By aligning these key areas with the bank’s overarching objectives, she aims to create a cohesive and high-performing workforce.

“First National Bank has an amazing talent group, and I am confident that we can seamlessly align the human resources with the bank’s priorities, drive cultural change, and deliver strong commercial and people outcomes,” said Adwoa Boateng Addo. This statement reflects her commitment to integrating HR strategies with the bank’s commercial goals, fostering a culture of growth and innovation, and ultimately, achieving positive results for both the organization and its employees.

First National Bank’s dedication to nurturing talent from within is a core element of its organizational philosophy. The promotion of Adwoa Boateng Addo exemplifies this commitment to ‘growing its own timber,’ reinforcing the bank’s emphasis on internal promotions and the development of its existing workforce. This approach not only rewards employees for their contributions but also ensures continuity and stability within the organization’s leadership.

“We are confident that under Adwoa’s leadership, our people strategy will continue to thrive and evolve,” said Warren Adams, CEO of First National Bank, underscoring the bank’s confidence in her ability to lead and innovate in her new role.

Adwoa Boateng Addo succeeds Ernestina Danquah, who retired on April 30, 2025, after an illustrious career with First National Bank. Ernestina Danquah served as Head of Human Resources for nearly a decade, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and significant contributions to the bank’s HR practices.

The appointment of Adwoa Boateng Addo as Chief People Officer represents a pivotal moment for First National Bank, highlighting its ongoing commitment to investing in its people and strengthening its human resource strategies. With her extensive experience and proven capabilities, Adwoa is well-positioned to lead the bank’s people initiatives, driving advancements in talent development, performance enablement, and organizational design. By aligning human resources with the bank’s commercial objectives, she will play a crucial role in ensuring a thriving future for both First National Bank and its employees, solidifying the bank’s reputation for valuing and developing its own talent.