Olufemi Adeyemi 

CBN-Approved Appointment Signals Strategic Growth Ambitions

Signature Bank Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Nixon Iwedi as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, in a move the bank describes as a key milestone in its ongoing growth and transformation strategy.

The appointment, confirmed in a statement released on Sunday, has received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The bank’s leadership expects Iwedi to strengthen its management team and provide the strategic direction needed to reposition Signature Bank as a competitive force in Nigeria’s dynamic banking sector.

Extensive Experience Across Banking Sectors
Prior to this appointment, Iwedi served as the pioneer Executive Director and Executive Compliance Officer at Globus Bank Limited. His banking career spans over 28 years, encompassing commercial and corporate banking, global transaction services, and compliance.

He began his professional journey with Guaranty Trust Bank in 1997, later moving to Access Bank Plc in 2002. At Access Bank, he held a series of senior roles, including Group Head for Global Transaction Banking, Group Head for Large Conglomerates, and Zonal Head for the Commercial Banking Group in Port Harcourt.

Iwedi also gained valuable international experience in 2009, when he was seconded to the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) in The Hague as a Senior Investment Officer. There, he focused on deal structuring, origination, and credit risk management, adding an international dimension to his banking expertise.

Leadership Endorsement from Signature Bank
Speaking on the appointment, the Chairman of Signature Bank, Tijjani Borodo, highlighted the significance of Iwedi’s leadership in driving the bank’s renewed ambitions.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Nixon Iwedi to Signature Bank. His depth of experience, integrity, and leadership track record align perfectly with our drive to reposition Signature Bank as a formidable player in the Nigerian banking industry,” Borodo said. “We look forward to the strategic direction he will bring in this exciting phase of our journey.”

Robust Academic and Professional Credentials
Mr. Iwedi’s academic credentials reflect a commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Port Harcourt and a Master of Business Administration from both Bangor University in the UK and the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

He has furthered his executive education at prestigious global institutions, including INSEAD in France and IMD in Switzerland. Professionally, he is a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Chartered Banker Institutes of Scotland and Wales. He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration.

Positioning for a Competitive Future
Signature Bank’s leadership sees Iwedi’s appointment as part of a broader strategy to transform the bank into a significant player in Nigeria’s highly competitive banking landscape. With his blend of local and international experience, industry knowledge, and leadership credentials, the bank aims to bolster its operational capacity and enhance its value proposition to customers and stakeholders alike.