First HoldCo Plc has announced a round of board appointments across several of its subsidiaries, as the financial services group moves to strengthen governance, deepen leadership capacity, and position its businesses for the next phase of growth.
The appointments were disclosed in a regulatory filing, following approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Insurance Commission. According to the group, the changes form part of a broader governance refresh designed to align its subsidiaries with international best practices while sustaining long-term value creation.
First HoldCo said the newly appointed directors bring extensive experience across banking, capital markets, law, insurance, asset management, and professional services. The group described the move as a deliberate effort to ensure that its non-commercial banking subsidiaries remain resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
“This infusion of leadership talent reflects the First HoldCo Board’s strategic resolve to strengthen governance frameworks and enhance product and service delivery across the group,” the company stated.
As part of the changes, Ebikabo Williams has been appointed chairman of First Asset Management Limited. She will serve alongside board members Usman Dantata Jr., Binta Max Gbinije, and Alero Mobola Adollo.
Williams brings experience spanning capital markets, banking, and consulting. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Master’s degree in Financial Management from the University of Southampton. Earlier in her career, she served as deputy manager and head of trade and finance at Citibank Nigeria between 2002 and 2003, among other roles in the financial services sector.
At FirstCap Limited, Yewande Amusan has been appointed chairperson. She will be supported on the board by Adenike Kuti and Zeal Akaraiwe.
Amusan has more than 25 years of experience in finance across both public and private sectors. She is a graduate of Accounting from Oglethorpe University in the United States and currently serves as a consultant with Andersen Global. Her previous roles include non-executive director at SunTrust Bank Nigeria, as well as general manager positions at Trust Bank of Africa Limited and Sterling Bank, where she later became Group Head of Retail and Consumer Banking.
First Securities Brokers Limited has appointed John Akpeki as chairman, with Omolara Adeyemi, Susan Younis, and Kemi Andu-Alausa joining him on the board.
Akpeki is a corporate lawyer with over two decades of experience in private legal practice. His areas of expertise include immigration and nationality law, commercial and regulatory compliance, entertainment law, and intellectual property. He has also worked extensively in legal research, court documentation, and fiduciary services for corporate clients.
In the trust and estate management segment, First Trustees Limited has named John Lee as its new chairman. He will be supported by Abiola Alabi, Adebisi Sola-Adeyemi, and Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu.
Lee has more than 40 years of experience in global financial services, covering corporate and institutional banking as well as wealth management across multiple African markets. His appointment is expected to reinforce First Trustees’ governance and strategic oversight amid growing demand for structured wealth and estate planning services.
Meanwhile, Akinola Phillips has been appointed chairman of First Insurance Brokers. Other members of the board include Ije Onejeme, Folukemi Akinmeji, and Mojisola Cardozo.
Phillips is currently chief executive officer of Philronk Facility Management Company. He previously served as Group Head of Human Resources and Administration at Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and was a non-executive director at Forte Oil Plc, now Ardova Plc, between 2012 and 2016. His experience spans corporate administration, governance, and operational leadership.
Commenting on the appointments, First HoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola said the group was pleased to welcome the new board members across its subsidiaries.
“We are delighted to welcome these distinguished professionals to the boards of our non-commercial banking subsidiaries,” Otedola said. “Their proven expertise, strong track records, and leadership depth will be critical in shaping the next phase of our growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and reinforcing our position as a trusted African institution delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors.”
First HoldCo said the board changes underscore its commitment to sound governance, effective oversight, and long-term sustainability, as the group continues to navigate a complex operating environment while pursuing growth opportunities across its financial services businesses.