FormerBarclays Plc CEO BobDiamond will take over as interim chairman of the firm he co-founded in 2013 toinvest in banks in sub-Saharan Africa.

said Oct. 11that Diamond will temporarily replace Arnold Ekpe, who will step down at theDec. 1 expiry of his three-year term to pursue other interests. The companywill eventually appoint an independent board chair.

"It isthe board's intention that Bob will serve as chairman for a limited period,while we transition to a new independent chairman," said Rachel Robbins,the firm's senior independent director.