Olayinka Ijabiyi Confirmed as FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications

FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution and champion of financial inclusion, has officially announced the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications. The appointment is effective immediately and underscores the Bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance during a key phase of its growth and transformation.

Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi brings over 25 years of expertise in marketing and corporate communications, with a proven track record in driving brand transformation, strategic visibility, and stakeholder engagement across financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development sectors.

Since joining FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi has served as the acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications from December 2024 until his recent confirmation. In his role, he oversees the development and execution of integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the Bank’s markets. His responsibilities include brand and reputation management, executive positioning, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, as well as strategic communications aligned with the Bank’s business goals.

Prior to this appointment, Ijabiyi held leadership roles within FirstBank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.

Before joining FirstBank, Ijabiyi built a diverse career at prominent organizations such as British Council, Multichoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he played vital roles in brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.

Widely recognized for his strategic mindset and leadership ability to translate business objectives into impactful marketing strategies, Ijabiyi has successfully led major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programs, consistently delivering efficiencies and enhancing brand equity.

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. Ijabiyi 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 industry bodies.