Ethiopia's largest insurer Awash Insurance announced today the sudden passing of its CEO Gudissa Legesse. In a statement, the company said Gudissa passed away on February 26th after receiving medical treatment both abroad and locally. He was 55 years old.
Gudissa had served as CEO of Awash for the past four years, overseeing significant growth and expanding the company's customer base. Employees expressed shock and sorrow upon hearing the news of his unexpected death.
No cause of death was disclosed by Awash, but sources indicated Gudissa had been battling an unspecified long-term illness. The father of six obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from Addis Ababa University and brought over two decades of experience in the insurance industry.
In its announcement, Awash stated that funeral services for Gudissa would be held tomorrow, February 27th, at Holy Trinity Cathedral church starting from 3:00 pm in the capital.
Gudissa leaves behind a legacy of strong leadership and service to Ethiopia's financial sector.
Under Gudissa's four years of leadership as CEO, Awash Insurance achieved significant growth and financial success. In the last fiscal year, the company reported two billion Br in general insurance revenues, far surpassing its closest competitors.
Awash was also able to turn a profit under Gudissa's leadership. The company posted a net profit of 509 million Br in 2022 under Gudissa's leadership, cementing its position as the nation's top insurer.
His abrupt passing represents a major loss for Awash Insurance and the community at large as they process this tragic turn of events.
