FirstBank Confirms Appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
FirstBank has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, with immediate effect.
The announcement underscores the bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance as it continues its growth and transformation journey across key markets.
Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development. His career has been defined by driving brand transformation, enhancing strategic visibility, and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
He joined FirstBank in 2011 and had served in an acting capacity as Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024 prior to his confirmation. In his current role, he is responsible for leading the development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies across the Group. His portfolio covers brand and reputation management, executive positioning, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, as well as strategic communications aligned with the bank’s business objectives.
Within FirstBank, Ijabiyi has previously held several leadership roles, including Head, Brand Strategy and Special Projects; Head, Digital Marketing; and Head, Brand and Stakeholder Management. In these capacities, he contributed significantly to strengthening the bank’s brand presence and stakeholder relations.
Before joining FirstBank, he built a diverse professional career across notable organisations such as British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, and Etisalat Nigeria. Across these institutions, he played pivotal roles in brand building, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
Ijabiyi is widely recognised for his strategic mindset and leadership ability, particularly in translating business objectives into impactful marketing and communications strategies. He has led several major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes, consistently delivering operational efficiencies and strengthening 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. 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 affiliations.
