The development marks a formal confirmation of his earlier acting role, which he has held since December 2024, and comes at a strategic time in the Bank’s expansion and brand evolution journey.
A Veteran Marketer with Over 25 Years of Industry Experience
Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi brings more than two decades of professional experience spanning marketing, brand management, and corporate communications across key sectors including financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development.
He joined FirstBank in 2011 and has steadily progressed through several leadership positions within the Marketing and Corporate Communications function. His previous roles within the Bank include Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
In his newly confirmed capacity, he is responsible for steering integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the FirstBank Group. His remit covers brand positioning, reputation management, executive communications, corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives, as well as strategic messaging aligned with the Bank’s long-term business objectives.
Track Record Spanning Leading Global and Local Institutions
Before joining FirstBank, Ijabiyi built an extensive career across reputable organisations such as the British Council, Multichoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria. Across these institutions, he contributed significantly to brand development, digital transformation projects, and corporate communications strategy execution.
He is widely regarded within the industry for his strategic approach to brand storytelling and his ability to align communications initiatives with broader organisational goals. Over the years, he has led high-impact campaigns, including milestone anniversary celebrations and brand refresh projects, while also delivering operational efficiencies and strengthening brand equity.
Academic Background and Professional Affiliations
Ijabiyi 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), alongside other professional associations in the marketing and communications space.
Strategic Continuity at a Time of Transformation
His confirmation is seen as part of FirstBank’s broader effort to consolidate leadership capacity in key functions as it deepens its market positioning and accelerates transformation initiatives across its operations.