FirstRand Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstRand has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, regional banking operations, financial oversight, and information technology infrastructure.

Committed to delivering comprehensive financial solutions across diverse global markets, FirstRand drives sustainable economic growth through its integrated banking, asset financing, and investment services, maintaining a robust presence across Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

Leadership Roles at FirstRand

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bydon Longwe
  • Chief Executive Officer (Namibia) - Conrad Dempsey
  • Chief Financial Officer - Markos Davias
  • Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa - Luke Woodford
  • Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer - Chequitta Ajene
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury - Lynne Hume
  • Chief Information Officer, Fcc - Alan Vickery
  • Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology - Nomsa Lewisa
  • Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office - Hilda Nsibande
  • Executive PA - Phyllis Hitula
  • Bydon Longwe - Chief Executive Officer

    Bydon Longwe, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstRand, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire financial services group. Longwe manages the integration of diverse divisions including Rand Merchant Bank and WesBank to ensure cohesive market performance across multiple continents. By aligning corporate objectives with evolving consumer and business-to-business financial needs, the Chief Executive Officer fosters long-term value creation. Longwe monitors global economic trends to pivot the organization toward emerging opportunities in Africa and beyond. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and operational excellence. Through rigorous oversight of the group's expansive portfolio, Bydon Longwe secures the competitive positioning of the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the institutional commitment to innovation and service excellence within the complex landscape of global banking.

    Conrad Dempsey - Chief Executive Officer (Namibia)

    Conrad Dempsey, the Chief Executive Officer (Namibia) at FirstRand, manages all banking operations and financial service delivery within the Namibian market. Dempsey architects localized strategies that leverage the broader group's expertise in asset financing and consumer banking to capture regional market share. Overseeing the implementation of digital banking solutions, the Chief Executive Officer (Namibia) ensures that local clients access the same high-quality mobile application services available across the global network. Dempsey coordinates with regional stakeholders to mitigate financial risks while expanding the footprint of First National Bank in southern Africa. This role requires precise execution of operational mandates to support the group's broader growth targets. By focusing on regional efficiency and customer satisfaction, Conrad Dempsey strengthens the brand presence in the territory. The Chief Executive Officer (Namibia) maintains strict adherence to regulatory standards while driving sustainable revenue streams.

    Markos Davias - Chief Financial Officer

    Markos Davias, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstRand, oversees the global financial health, capital allocation, and reporting standards of the entire organization. Davias manages the group's balance sheet, ensuring liquidity and solvency across all subsidiaries, including First National Bank and Rand Merchant Bank. By analyzing complex financial data, the Chief Financial Officer provides the strategic insights necessary for the Board to make informed investment decisions. Davias directs the financial planning and analysis teams to optimize cost structures and enhance profitability in diverse markets. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous compliance with international financial regulations while supporting the group's expansion into Europe, Asia Pacific, and India. Through disciplined fiscal management, Markos Davias protects the company's assets and drives shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that all financial operations align with the long-term growth objectives of the firm.
    Markos Davias

    Luke Woodford - Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa

    Luke Woodford, the Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa at FirstRand, manages the financial operations and fiscal strategy for the group's extensive banking network across the African continent. Woodford architects regional financial models that account for diverse regulatory environments and market conditions in southern Africa and beyond. By overseeing capital allocation for regional expansion, the Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa ensures that local branches maintain profitability and operational stability. Woodford collaborates with the group's central finance team to integrate regional performance data into the global reporting structure. This role involves mitigating financial risks associated with emerging markets while identifying growth opportunities for consumer and business products. Through rigorous financial oversight, Luke Woodford supports the group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. The Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa drives the fiscal health of the company's most critical growth markets.

    Chequitta Ajene - Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer

    Chequitta Ajene, the Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer at FirstRand, coordinates the strategic priorities and administrative functions within the group's financial leadership division. Ajene manages the flow of information between the Chief Financial Officer and the various business units, ensuring that financial objectives remain clear and actionable. By overseeing the preparation of high-level reports and board presentations, the Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer facilitates effective decision-making regarding capital management and investment strategies. Ajene monitors the progress of key financial initiatives to ensure they meet the group's rigorous performance standards. This role involves fostering collaboration across the finance department to streamline operations and enhance reporting accuracy. Through meticulous coordination, Chequitta Ajene supports the financial leadership in maintaining the group's fiscal integrity. The Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer drives the operational efficiency of the finance function.

    Lynne Hume - Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury

    Lynne Hume, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury at FirstRand, directs the group's treasury operations, liquidity management, and financial control frameworks. Hume manages the complex balance of cash flow, currency risk, and capital reserves required to support the group's global banking activities. By overseeing the treasury function, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury ensures that the organization maintains sufficient liquidity to meet obligations across all international markets. Hume collaborates with the broader finance team to implement robust control systems that safeguard the group's assets. This role involves managing relationships with global financial institutions and monitoring market volatility to protect the company's financial position. Through strategic treasury management, Lynne Hume supports the group's ability to fund its diverse portfolio of financial services. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury maintains the financial stability necessary for the firm's continued global expansion.

    Alan Vickery - Chief Information Officer, Fcc

    Alan Vickery, the Chief Information Officer, Fcc at FirstRand, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives for the group's financial control and compliance divisions. Vickery architects secure, scalable systems that support the complex data requirements of Rand Merchant Bank and other subsidiaries. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols and data management frameworks, the Chief Information Officer, Fcc ensures the integrity of financial transactions across all global operations. Vickery collaborates with other technology leaders to integrate mobile application services with core banking platforms, enhancing the user experience for both consumer and business clients. This role involves managing large-scale IT projects that drive operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Through the deployment of cutting-edge technology, Alan Vickery supports the group's ability to compete in the digital-first banking environment. The Chief Information Officer, Fcc maintains the technological backbone necessary for sustained institutional growth.

    Nomsa Lewisa - Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology

    Nomsa Lewisa, the Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology at FirstRand, manages the digital systems and software platforms dedicated to employee benefits, human resources, and internal talent management. Lewisa architects technology solutions that streamline workforce operations across the group's global offices in Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom. By digitizing human capital processes, the Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology improves organizational agility and employee engagement. Lewisa oversees the integration of HR software with broader corporate systems to ensure data consistency and operational efficiency. This role involves partnering with the executive team to leverage technology for talent acquisition and retention strategies. Through the implementation of robust human capital platforms, Nomsa Lewisa supports the group's commitment to a high-performing workforce. The Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology drives the digital evolution of internal management practices to sustain the company's competitive advantage.

    Hilda Nsibande - Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office

    Hilda Nsibande, the Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office at FirstRand, directs the strategic initiatives focused on maximizing organizational value and operational synergy. Nsibande manages the Value Office to ensure that all divisions, from asset financing to investment banking, adhere to the group's core performance metrics. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office identifies opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement. Nsibande monitors the execution of key business projects to ensure alignment with the overarching corporate mission. This role involves providing the executive team with actionable intelligence to drive efficiency and market impact. Through the systematic evaluation of business processes, Hilda Nsibande optimizes the group's performance across its diverse global footprint. The Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office remains essential to maintaining the strategic focus and operational discipline of the entire financial services group.

    Phyllis Hitula - Executive PA

    Phyllis Hitula, the Executive PA at FirstRand, coordinates high-level administrative workflows and communication channels for the senior leadership team. Hitula manages complex scheduling, board meeting logistics, and internal information flow to ensure the executive office functions with maximum efficiency. By filtering critical data and prioritizing urgent business matters, the Executive PA enables the C-suite to focus on strategic decision-making and market expansion. Hitula facilitates seamless interaction between various divisions, including Rand Merchant Bank and WesBank, to maintain organizational alignment. This role involves maintaining confidentiality and professional standards while supporting the daily operations of the group's top leadership. Through meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving, Phyllis Hitula optimizes the time and impact of the executive team. The Executive PA remains central to the smooth execution of corporate governance and internal management processes across the global financial group.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstRand Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstRand?
    FirstRand is led by Bydon Longwe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Conrad Dempsey (Chief Executive Officer (Namibia)) and Markos Davias (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of FirstRand’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstRand includes leaders such as Bydon Longwe (Chief Executive Officer), Conrad Dempsey (Chief Executive Officer (Namibia)), Markos Davias (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstRand have?
    FirstRand has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstRand’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstRand includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Namibia), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa, Chief of Staff. Office of the Chief Financial Officer.