NOVA Bank has officially appointed David Isiavwe as Executive Director of Operations and Information Technology, alongside Chinwe Iloghalu as Executive Director of Institutional and Commercial Banking.

These strategic appointments are integral to NOVA Bank’s initiative to enhance its leadership team as the institution embarks on an innovative path following its recent transition to a national commercial bank.

Dr. Isiavwe brings over 30 years of extensive banking experience from both domestic and international institutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) as well as a Fellow of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria (FCIN). 

His credentials also include several professional certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), among others.

David has participated in leadership programs at prestigious global institutions, including Harvard Business School, MIT, and Oxford University. He currently serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN) and is a member of the Governing Council of the Fintech Association of Nigeria. Additionally, he chairs the Statutory Audit Committee of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).

His appointment highlights NOVA’s commitment to digital transformation, with his extensive experience expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of the Bank’s technology-driven phygital model.

Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the banking sector, has been appointed as the Executive Director for Corporate and Commercial Banking, which serves as the primary engine for business and relationship management within the bank. Throughout her esteemed career, she has made notable contributions to business and corporate banking, demonstrating expertise across various sectors, including energy, corporate, commercial, and digital banking. Her efforts have consistently generated sustainable value and returns for key stakeholders. Chinwe holds an MSc in Media and Communications and an MBA, and she is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA). She has participated in leadership and executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Said Business School at Oxford, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, among others. In her new role, she will play a pivotal part in advancing NOVA’s commercial banking initiatives across all major business development areas.

The Chairman of NOVA Bank, Phillips Oduoza, shared his thoughts on the recent appointments: “The addition of Dr. Isiavwe and Mrs. Iloghalu marks a critical point in constituting the management team that will lead NOVA into its next phase of growth. David’s expertise in technology will be key in enhancing our phygital model, while Chinwe’s strong business drive and relationship management coupled with the retail and product engine of the bank will be instrumental in driving the Bank’s strategic intent to become a formidable player in the banking industry. Their deep understanding of digital and electronic banking will significantly contribute to our trademarked phygital experience, which seamlessly combines the best of in-person service and bespoke digital solutions to serve our customers. Both leaders bring valuable experience that aligns perfectly with NOVA’s vision to be Africa’s preferred financial solutions provider.”  

These two appointments will enhance the board's diversity and promote inclusiveness, as noted by Mr. Oduoza.

As NOVA Bank progresses in its expansion and transformation into a national commercial bank, these leadership appointments underscore its dedication to providing innovative financial services. The bank’s phygital model, which integrates advanced technology with a physical presence, is revolutionizing customer experiences and paving the way for future developments in the Nigerian banking sector.