FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leading financial inclusion service provider, has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, underscores the bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance at a critical stage in its growth and transformation journey.
Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development sectors. His expertise includes driving brand transformation, enhancing strategic visibility, and deepening stakeholder engagement.
He joined FirstBank in 2011 and has served in an acting capacity as Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024. In his current role, he leads the development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies across the bank’s markets. His responsibilities also cover brand and reputation management, executive positioning, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, as well as strategic communications aligned with the bank’s business objectives.
Before his confirmation, Ijabiyi held several leadership roles within FirstBank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department. These include Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
Prior to joining the bank, he built a diverse career across notable organisations such as British Council, MultiChoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria. In these roles, he contributed significantly to brand building, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
Widely recognised for his strategic mindset and leadership, Ijabiyi has successfully delivered major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes, while consistently enhancing brand equity and operational efficiency.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the former Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti. He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, among other professional affiliations.
