Appointment: FirstBank Confirms Olayinka Ijabiyi as Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications

By Love Oyedokun

In a move that underscores its commitment to excellence and strategic growth, FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leading provider of financial inclusion services, has announced the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications. This appointment, which takes immediate effect, is a significant development in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its corporate governance and drive its transformation journey forward.

Cablenews24 reports that the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, marks a new chapter in FirstBank’s history. With over 25 years of experience in driving brand transformation, strategic visibility, and stakeholder engagement across various sectors, including financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development, Ijabiyi is well-equipped to lead the Bank’s marketing and corporate communications efforts. His expertise in developing and executing integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies will be invaluable in driving the Bank’s business objectives and aspirations.

Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with a proven track record of success. Prior to his appointment as the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, he served in an acting capacity from December 2024. During his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, driving the development and execution of marketing and corporate communications strategies that have enhanced the Bank’s brand and reputation.

Before joining FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi built a diverse career across leading organizations, including the British Council, Multichoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria. In these roles, he played key parts in brand building, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different industries and environments. His experience in driving brand transformation and strategic visibility will be essential in positioning FirstBank as a leader in the financial services sector.

Within FirstBank, Ijabiyi has held various leadership positions, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management. In these roles, he has consistently delivered results, driving major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programs. His ability to translate business objectives into impactful marketing and communications strategies has been widely recognized, and he has successfully enhanced brand equity while delivering efficiencies.

Ijabiyi 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 a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), amongst other industry bodies. His commitment to professional development and excellence is evident in his academic and professional achievements, and he is well-positioned to drive FirstBank’s marketing and corporate communications efforts forward.

The appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, marks a new era for FirstBank’s marketing and corporate communications efforts. With his expertise and experience, the Bank is poised to drive its business objectives and aspirations, enhancing its brand and reputation in the process. As FirstBank continues to evolve and grow, Ijabiyi’s leadership will be essential in positioning the Bank as a leader in the financial services sector.

The appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi is a testament to FirstBank’s commitment to corporate governance and its ongoing efforts to reinforce its leadership team. The Bank’s focus on strategic growth, excellence, and customer satisfaction is evident in this appointment, and Ijabiyi’s expertise will be invaluable in driving these efforts forward. As FirstBank continues to navigate the complexities of the financial services sector, its commitment to corporate governance and leadership excellence will remain a key factor in its success.

The future of FirstBank looks bright, with Olayinka Ijabiyi at the helm of its marketing and corporate communications efforts. With his expertise, experience, and commitment to excellence, the Bank is poised to drive its business objectives and aspirations, enhancing its brand and reputation in the process. As FirstBank continues to evolve and grow, its customers, stakeholders, and the wider community can expect great things from this leading financial institution.