First Bank has confirmed Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive group head, marketing and corporate communications.

In a statement on Friday, the bank said the appointment, which takes effect immediate, reinforces a strong corporate governance in First Bank’s growth and transformation journey.

First Bank said Ijabiyi has been serving in an acting capacity since December 2024.

According to the lender, Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience across financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development sectors.

First Bank said the role will see him lead the bank’s integrated marketing and corporate communications strategy, including brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability, and strategic communications initiatives aligned with the lender’s business objectives.

According to the statement, Ijabiyi joined First Bank in 2011 and has held several senior roles within the marketing and corporate communications division.

The roles include head of brand strategy and special projects, head of digital marketing, and head of brand and stakeholder management.

Before First Bank, the lender said Ijabiyi plied his trade across leading organisations, including British Council, MTN, MultiChoice, and Etisalat Nigeria.

The bank said he 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 Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti.

First Bank said Ijabiyi is a fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NPR).