HARARE - People's Own Savings Bank chief executive Admore Kandlela has been awarded the inaugural Most Customer Focused Executive (Public Sector Category) by the Contact Centre Association of Zimbabwe (CCAZ).

The prestigious award was presented to Kandlela at the Zimbabwe Service Excellence Awards dinner recently at the Rainbow Towers Hotel.

The Most Customer Focused Executive of the year award recognises executives who would have demonstrated vision and leadership in building the organisation with strong customer viewpoint from the top to the bottom, superior brand and customer-centric culture.

The Service Excellence Awards for the sector recognises excelling organisations in the consumer-facing industry involved in the delivery of service to customers.

Kandlela thanked his team saying that they had stood the test of time and have consistently offered unparalleled banking services to the population of Zimbabwe.

“The bank has evolved over time in tandem with technological developments and customer needs. We have developed a wider branch network comprising 31 POSB branches in all major cities and towns, and at least 160 Zimpost Offices countrywide, thereby bringing convenience to our customers,” said Kandlela.

He added that his organisation was mindful of the banking requirements of both the rural and urban populations and remained customer focused in terms of providing tailor made products and services to both constituencies as well as across all sectors of the economy.

“Within the next five years, the bank’s goals include financial inclusion to the currently unbanked population through a combination of brick and mortar and electronic delivery channels, instilling a savings culture among Zimbabweans thereby building a stable and long-term savings pool,” added Kandlela.

The POSB chief added that the bank would continue enhancing profitability, grow the capital and asset base in order to compete effectively with other market players, by mobilising international capital.

The Zimbabwe Service Excellence Awards ceremony is organised and managed by CCAZ in partnership with the ministry of Tourism, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in honour of organisations and individuals that would have excelled in customer service delivery.

The awards are held as part of the customer service week which is celebrated internationally in recognition of the importance of customer service in economic growth.

Investment Promotion minister Tapiwa Mashakada congradulates POSB chief executive Admore Kandlela. - Business Writer