Greenwich Holdings Limited has named Samson Oyewale Ariyibi as its first Group Managing Director, marking a defining moment in the company’s transition to a fully operational financial services holding structure.
This appointment, approved by all relevant regulators, positions Ariyibi at the centre of Greenwich’s next phase of institutional growth. For a group founded in 1994 and long known for merchant banking, asset management, securities trading, and advisory services, the move to a HoldCo model represents both a structural shift and a strategic bet. Ariyibi is the executive chosen to steer that evolution.
Kayode Falowo, chairman of the Board, said the decision reflects Greenwich’s commitment to stronger governance and long-term discipline. “The Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Ariyibi to the Greenwich Group. His appointment reflects our commitment to strong governance, strategic leadership, and operational excellence as we embark on this important new phase of our corporate evolution,” he said.
For Ariyibi, the new role caps a 34-year career that has spanned the length and breadth of Nigeria’s financial system. He began at Ernst & Young in 1991, later joining Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in 1996, where he distinguished himself early through technical competence and professional discipline. From there, he built a résumé that touches nearly every segment of the financial services value chain.
Most recently, he served as executive director and CEO of First Holdco Plc (formerly FBN Holdings Plc.), where he helped strengthen group-wide governance and operational frameworks. Joining the institution in 2013 as one of its pioneer staff members, he played a key role in operationalising the financial holding company structure approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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Prior to his time at First Holdco, Ariyibi was Group CFO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc., contributing to the conglomerate’s corporate turnaround. His earlier career includes senior finance roles at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, National Bank of Nigeria (now Wema Bank), Standard Trust Bank (now UBA), First Atlantic Bank (now FCMB), and Pensions Alliance Limited. He also served on several boards within the First Holdco Group.
Ariyibi’s qualifications reflect the same breadth as his professional experience. He holds a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Ilorin and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of ICAN, an Associate of CITN, a Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria member, and a member of the Institute of Directors.
His executive education spans Harvard, Wharton, London Business School, Kellogg, and the Global CEO Programme delivered by IESE Business School and MIT Sloan. He is a recipient of the Knight of John Wesley (KJW) award and is married with children.
For Greenwich, the appointment is as much about capability as it is about timing. As the Group completes its transition into a holding company with expanded governance and operational flexibility, leadership will be critical. With a reputation built on innovation and ethical financial solutions, Greenwich sees its new structure as the foundation for deeper participation across the financial services ecosystem.
The Board believes that with Ariyibi now at the helm, the organisation is positioned to strengthen its market presence and drive sustainable long-term growth when formal operations as a HoldCo begin.