FirstBank Confirms Olayinka Ijabiyi as Group Communications Chief, Strengthens Brand Leadership
FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution and a major driver of financial inclusion, has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, effective immediately.
The confirmation underscores the Bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance as it navigates a critical phase of growth and transformation.
A seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional, Ijabiyi brings over 25 years of cross-sector experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development. Since joining FirstBank of Nigeria Limited in 2011, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s brand and communications strategy.
He previously served in an acting capacity as Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications from December 2024, during which he provided strategic leadership across the Bank’s markets. In his confirmed role, he will continue to drive integrated marketing and corporate communications initiatives, overseeing brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability, as well as stakeholder engagement.
Ijabiyi’s career at FirstBank includes key leadership roles such as Head, Brand Strategy and Special Projects; Head, Digital Marketing; and Head, Brand and Stakeholder Management, where he delivered impactful campaigns and strengthened the Bank’s market visibility.
Before joining FirstBank, he held strategic roles at notable organisations including British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, and Etisalat Nigeria, contributing to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
Widely respected for his strategic insight and leadership, Ijabiyi has successfully led major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes, 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 a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among other professional bodies.