Fitsumselam Desalegn is a seasoned strategist, consultant, and entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience in banking, leadership, and business development.

She earned her BA in Economics from Haramaya University in 2006 and her MA in Economics from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2012, building a strong academic foundation in economic analysis and policy. In recognition of her professional growth and expertise, she became a Certified Management Consultant by the Ethiopian Management Institute in 2021 and an IFC-LPI-TPMA Certified Trainer in May 2025, equipping her with advanced skills in training, facilitation, and consultancy.

Fitsumselam’s professional journey began at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the largest bank in the country, where she served for 14 years in various roles. Her career at CBE culminated in managerial positions, including Manager of Monitoring & Evaluation and Manager of the Bank’s Reform and Transformation Project, where she contributed to strategic initiatives that shaped the bank’s modernization and growth.

She later joined Goh Betoch Bank, where she played a pivotal role in its formative years. There, she served as Director of Strategy and Business Development and subsequently as Director of the Office of Strategy Management, spearheading strategic planning, transformation, and business growth initiatives.

Since March 2023, Fitsumselam has shifted her focus to entrepreneurship. She is the General Manager of Giant Star General Trading PLC, a company engaged in management consultancy, property management, import, and other entrepreneurial ventures. Through her consultancy and business activities, she helps organizations develop and execute strategies for sustainable growth while also championing women’s empowerment and community development.

Her leadership aspiration is to continue growing as a successful woman entrepreneur and consultant, using her expertise to drive business transformation, uplift her community, and empower women to step into leadership with confidence.