First HoldCo appoints new board members across subsidiaries

First HoldCo Plc has announced the appointment of new members to the boards of directors of some of its subsidiaries.

The financial services group stated in a regulatory filing that the move followed receipt of regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Insurance Commission, as part of a broader push to enhance governance and sustain the business on its path of growth.

“The new appointments are aimed at bringing seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience to the subsidiaries, aligning the group with international best practices in corporate governance,” the statement said.

“This infusion of leadership talents reflects the FirstHoldCo Board’s strategic and deliberate resolve to make these entities future-ready in both products and service offerings,” it added.

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Ebikabo Williams has been appointed to chair the board of First Asset Management Limited. The document stated that she will be supported in her role by board members, including Usman Dantata Jr., Binta Max Gbinije and Alero Mobola Adollo.

Ms Williams has a broad range of experience encompassing capital markets, banking, and consulting. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Warwick University and a Master of Financial Management from Southampton University, England. Between 2002 and 2003, she had the position of deputy manager/head of trade & finance at Citibank Nigeria.

Yewande Amusan has been appointed as the chairperson of FirstCap Limited and, according to the statement, will be joined by Adenike Kuti and Zeal Akaraiwe.

Ms Amusan has over 25 years of experience in the finance industry, both in the public and private sectors. A graduate of Accounting from Oglethorpe University in the United States, she is a consultant for Andersen Global. Before joining Andersen, she served as a non-executive director at SunTrust Bank Nigeria. Earlier in her career, she served as a general manager at Trust Bank of Africa Limited and Sterling Bank, where she later advanced to the position of Group Head of Retail and Consumer Banking.

Similarly, First Securities Brokers Limited has appointed John Akpeki as its new chairman, who will be supported by Omolara Adeyemi, Susan Younis, and Kemi Andu-Alausa.

Mr Akpeki, a corporate lawyer, has over two decades of experience in private practice, covering immigration and nationality law, commercial law, regulatory compliance, entertainment law, and intellectual property. He has experience in legal research, preparing bundles for court proceedings, and delivering tailored fiduciary services.

First Trustees Limited, the trust and estate management arm of the group, has also named John Lee as its chairman, who other board members, including Abiola Alabi, Adebisi Sola-Adeyemi, and Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu, will support.

Mr Lee has over 40 years of experience in global financial services, encompassing corporate and institutional banking, as well as wealth management, across Africa.

Akinola Phillips has been appointed as the chair of First Insurance Brokers, where Ije Onejeme, Folukemi Akinmeji and Mojisola Cardozo will support him.

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Mr Phillips is currently the CEO of Philronk Facility Management Company and, before that, was the group head of human resources and administration at Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited. He served as a non-executive director at Forte Oil Plc (now Ardova Plc) from 2012 to 2016.

“We are delighted to welcome these distinguished professionals to the boards of our noncommercial banking subsidiaries,” said Femi Otedola, First HoldCo’s chairman.

“Their proven expertise, impeccable track records, and leadership will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of our growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and reinforcing our position as a trusted African leader delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors,” he added.