FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution and a key player in financial inclusion, has officially confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.
Newsonspot reports that the appointment takes immediate effect and reflects the Bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance amid its ongoing growth and transformation.
Ijabiyi, a seasoned marketing and corporate communications expert, brings over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development. His expertise covers brand transformation, strategic visibility, and stakeholder engagement across diverse sectors.
Having joined FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi has held several strategic leadership roles within the Marketing and Corporate Communications function, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management. He most recently served in an acting capacity as Group Head from December 2024 before his confirmation.
In his current role, he is responsible for driving integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the Bank’s markets. His portfolio includes brand and reputation management, executive positioning, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, as well as the execution of strategic communication initiatives aligned with FirstBank’s business goals.
Before joining FirstBank, Ijabiyi built a rich professional background working with globally recognized organisations such as the British Council, Multichoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed significantly to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation projects.
Known for his strategic insight and leadership, Ijabiyi has led several high-impact brand initiatives, including major anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes that strengthened brand equity and improved operational efficiency.
Academically, 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 (NIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among other professional bodies.
