In a strategic realignment announced Wednesday, FirstRand has revealed significant changes to its executive leadership team. The reshuffle assigns former First National Bank (FNB) CEO, Jacques Celliers, to lead the fintech strategy at FirstRand starting from 1 April 2024. His new role encompasses driving revenue from ancillary activities like FNB Connect MVNO and nav» lifestyle offerings with his innovative team.
Celliers' tenure as CEO of FNB saw the bank excel in customer-centric strategy and digitally-enabled financial services. In his new role, he will leverage these experiences to scale FNB's services, capitalise on its brand excellence, and foster increased collaboration across the wider portfolio.
Replacing Celliers as CEO of FNB is Harry Kellan. Kellan has served as FirstRand's CFO for ten years and has also contributed to shaping key strategies on the FNB advisory board. His insights from his tenure as group CFO are expected to be beneficial in his new role.
Simultaneously, Mary Vilakazi will step into the role of group CEO at FirstRand, replacing the retiring Alan Pullinger. Vilakazi brings a wealth of experience from her previous position at MMI Holdings.
The reshuffle also sees Markos Davias taking over as group CFO, Gideon Joubert stepping into the role of FNB CFO, and Taufeeqa Waja filling Joubert's previous position.
This executive reshuffling is seen as a move by FirstRand to explore new avenues for growth and bolster its position in the financial services sector.
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