FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.
The appointment takes immediate effect following Ijabiyi’s tenure in an acting capacity since December 2024, during which he led the bank’s marketing and corporate communications function across its key markets.
In his new role, Ijabiyi is responsible for the development and execution of integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies for the Group.
His mandate includes overseeing brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives, as well as strategic communications aligned with FirstBank’s business objectives.
Ijabiyi brings over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development.
His career has been defined by a consistent focus on brand transformation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic visibility across diverse sectors.
Since joining FirstBank of Nigeria Limited in 2011, he has held several leadership positions within the Marketing and Corporate Communications function. These include Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management, where he played a central role in shaping the bank’s brand narrative and customer engagement strategy.
Before his tenure at FirstBank, Ijabiyi built a broad professional profile across leading organisations, including British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
Industry observers note that the confirmation signals continuity in FirstBank’s brand strategy, particularly as the institution continues to position itself within an increasingly competitive and digitally driven financial services environment.
Ijabiyi is widely recognised for his strategic approach to translating business objectives into impactful marketing and communications execution.
He has led several high-profile brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes, delivering measurable efficiencies while strengthening brand equity.
Academically, he 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, Ado Ekiti.
He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
The appointment comes at a time when FirstBank continues to deepen its strategic focus on customer engagement, digital innovation, and market expansion, with marketing and corporate communications playing a central role in shaping stakeholder perception and driving long-term value creation.