FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution and financial inclusion provider, has officially confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, strengthens the Bank’s corporate governance as it continues its digital transformation and growth strategy across African and international markets.
Over 25 Years of Strategic Marketing Expertise
Olayinka Ijabiyi is a veteran in the marketing and communications landscape, bringing over 25 years of experience to the role. His career spans diverse sectors, including financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development.
Since joining FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi has been instrumental in shaping the bank’s brand identity. Most recently, he served as the acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications from December 2024. In his confirmed capacity, he will lead:
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Integrated marketing strategies across the FirstBank Group.
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Brand and reputation management.
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Executive positioning and strategic communications.
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Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) initiatives.
A Proven Track Record in Brand Transformation
Before his elevation to Group Head, Ijabiyi held several pivotal leadership roles within FirstBank, including:
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Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects.
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Head of Digital Marketing.
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Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
His professional journey prior to FirstBank includes senior roles at prestigious organizations such as the British Council, MultiChoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria. He is widely recognized for his ability to translate complex business objectives into high-impact campaigns, including milestone anniversary celebrations and comprehensive brand refresh programs.
Academic and Professional Background
Ijabiyi holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the former Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti.
He is a distinguished professional in his field, holding the following affiliations:
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Fellow, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
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Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
