May 01, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s oldest and one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions, FirstBank, has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, in a move seen as a strategic reinforcement of the bank’s corporate governance, brand positioning and transformation agenda.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, comes at a crucial period in the bank’s growth and modernization drive as it continues to strengthen its footprint across Nigeria and other international markets.
A highly experienced marketing and communications professional, Ijabiyi brings over 25 years of extensive expertise spanning financial services, telecommunications, media and international development sectors.
His career has been defined by strategic brand transformation, stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation management and integrated communications leadership.
Prior to his confirmation, Ijabiyi had been serving in an acting capacity as Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024, during which he successfully coordinated several high-level brand and communications initiatives for the banking giant.
In his substantive role, he is expected to lead the development and implementation of integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the Group’s operations and subsidiaries.
His responsibilities include overseeing brand and reputation management, executive positioning, strategic stakeholder engagement, corporate responsibility and sustainability communications, as well as ensuring alignment between the bank’s communications architecture and its broader business aspirations.
Since joining FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi has occupied several strategic leadership positions within the institution’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department.
These include Head, Brand Strategy and Special Projects; Head, Digital Marketing; and Head, Brand and Stakeholder Management.
During his years with the bank, he played pivotal roles in strengthening the institution’s brand equity, enhancing customer engagement and driving innovative communication campaigns tailored to evolving market realities and digital transformation trends.
Before joining FirstBank, Ijabiyi built an impressive professional profile across several notable organisations, including British Council, MultiChoice, MTN and Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed significantly to brand development, digital transformation and corporate communications initiatives.
Widely regarded as a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership capacity, Ijabiyi has earned recognition for his ability to translate corporate goals into impactful marketing and communications strategies that drive visibility, customer trust and institutional growth.
Over the years, he has successfully spearheaded several high-profile brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns, corporate identity refresh programmes and integrated communication projects that enhanced operational efficiency and strengthened public perception of the institutions he served.
Academically, Ijabiyi holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the former Ondo State University.
He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, among several other professional bodies.
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