Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (RMB), a prominent player in the African corporate and investment banking sector and a subsidiary of the FirstRand Group, has announced the appointment of Bayo Ajayi as its acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This development, which has received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), comes at a time when the bank is intensifying its focus on offering innovative financial services while making significant contributions to the Nigerian economy.
Ajayi, who previously served as an executive director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at RMB Nigeria, brings over 24 years of banking expertise to his new role. He expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the bank’s clients, especially as they navigate the challenges posed by Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
The Chairman and CEO of RMB Nigeria, Emrie Brown, expressed strong support for Ajayi’s appointment. He emphasized Ajayi’s extensive experience and history of delivering tangible results for both clients and stakeholders, expressing full confidence that the bank will continue to grow under his leadership.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend a warm welcome to Bayo Ajayi as Acting CEO. We are confident that his leadership will drive our strategic goals forward, ensuring that we maintain strong partnerships with our clients, further expand our operations, and contribute positively to the economic growth of Nigeria,” Brown said.
In response to his new role, Ajayi remarked, “I am honored to step into this role during such a crucial period for Nigeria. Our focus will remain on supporting our clients as they manage the current challenges and continue their growth journeys.”
Ajayi holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK. He has also participated in several senior management development programs globally.
The leadership transition reflects RMB Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, resilient, and sustainable future for the organization. With Ajayi at the helm, the bank is set to continue its mission of providing innovative and tailored financial solutions that empower businesses to succeed in Nigeria’s dynamic economy.
