FirstRand Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstRand has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and human capital.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, FirstRand is dedicated to providing comprehensive financial solutions across Africa and beyond, fostering economic growth through robust banking, asset financing, and investment services.

Leadership Roles at FirstRand

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mary Vilakazi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Markos Davias
  • Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa - Luke Woodford
  • Chief Financial Officer, Rmb - Jaco Van Wyk
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury - Lynne Hume
  • Chief Information Officer, Fcc - Alan Vickery
  • Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office - Hilda Nsibande
  • Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology - Nomsa Lewisa
  • Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange - Michael Preston
  • Group Chief People Officer - Tswelo Kodisang
  • Mary Vilakazi - Chief Executive Officer

    Mary Vilakazi, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstRand, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global financial services group. Overseeing all major divisions, including banking, asset financing, and investment banking, Vilakazi ensures alignment with the company's mission to drive economic progress across its operational geographies. This leadership role involves steering the group through dynamic market conditions, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a culture of innovation to enhance customer value and shareholder returns. By championing strategic initiatives, Mary Vilakazi solidifies FirstRand's position as a leading financial institution. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to managing relationships with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and sustainable growth across Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, and the United Kingdom.
    Mary Vilakazi

    Markos Davias - Chief Financial Officer

    Markos Davias, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstRand, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the entire organization. Overseeing all financial operations, Davias ensures robust capital management, accurate financial reporting, and effective risk mitigation strategies across the group's diverse business units. This critical role involves driving financial performance, optimizing profitability, and maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions globally. By implementing rigorous financial controls and forward-looking fiscal policies, Markos Davias supports FirstRand's expansion and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations, thereby safeguarding the company's financial integrity and supporting its long-term growth objectives across its extensive global footprint.
    Markos Davias

    Luke Woodford - Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa

    Luke Woodford, the Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa at FirstRand, directs the financial strategy and operations for the group's extensive African markets outside of South Africa. Overseeing financial planning, capital allocation, and performance management across these key regions, Woodford ensures fiscal discipline and drives sustainable revenue growth. This role involves navigating diverse economic landscapes, optimizing financial structures, and fostering strong relationships with regional stakeholders and regulatory bodies. By implementing tailored financial strategies, Luke Woodford enhances FirstRand's market penetration and profitability across the continent. The Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa's expertise is crucial in managing the financial complexities of expanding operations and delivering value to customers and shareholders throughout the broader African region.

    Jaco Van Wyk - Chief Financial Officer, Rmb

    Jaco Van Wyk, the Chief Financial Officer, Rmb at FirstRand, leads the financial operations and strategic fiscal management for Rand Merchant Bank, the group's investment banking arm. Overseeing all financial planning, reporting, and capital management activities, Van Wyk ensures the profitability and financial stability of RMB's diverse investment banking services. This position involves driving financial performance, managing risk effectively, and supporting strategic growth initiatives within the investment banking sector. By implementing robust financial controls and innovative fiscal strategies, Jaco Van Wyk strengthens RMB's competitive edge in global financial markets. The Chief Financial Officer, Rmb's focus is on optimizing financial resources to support complex transactions and deliver superior returns for clients and the group.

    Lynne Hume - Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury

    Lynne Hume, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury at FirstRand, directs the financial strategy and management for the group's financial crime compliance and treasury functions. Overseeing capital management, liquidity planning, and financial risk mitigation, Hume ensures the robust financial integrity and stability of the organization. This critical role involves managing funding strategies, optimizing the group's balance sheet, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements across all operating regions. By implementing sophisticated treasury operations and robust financial crime controls, Lynne Hume safeguards FirstRand's assets and enhances its financial resilience. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury's expertise is vital for navigating complex financial markets and supporting the group's global expansion.

    Alan Vickery - Chief Information Officer, Fcc

    Alan Vickery, the Chief Information Officer, Fcc at FirstRand, architects and executes the technology strategy for the group's financial crime compliance functions. Overseeing the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions, Vickery ensures robust security, data integrity, and operational efficiency in combating financial crime across all jurisdictions. This leadership position involves managing IT infrastructure, driving digital transformation initiatives, and fostering innovation in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance technology. By leveraging cutting-edge systems, Alan Vickery strengthens FirstRand's defenses against illicit activities and ensures adherence to stringent global compliance standards. The Chief Information Officer, Fcc's focus is on building resilient and scalable technology platforms that support the company's extensive operations in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

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

    Hilda Nsibande, the Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office at FirstRand, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across the group's value-creation programs. Overseeing key projects and cross-functional teams, Nsibande ensures the effective implementation of strategies designed to enhance shareholder value and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts between different business units, facilitating communication, and monitoring progress against strategic objectives. By championing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Hilda Nsibande optimizes resource utilization and drives sustainable growth. The Chief of Staff & Group Chief's focus is on translating group strategy into actionable plans and ensuring their successful execution across FirstRand's global operations.

    Nomsa Lewisa - Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology

    Nomsa Lewisa, the Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology at FirstRand, leads the strategic development and implementation of technology solutions for human capital management across the group. Overseeing the technology infrastructure and digital platforms that support employee engagement, talent development, and HR operations, Lewisa ensures seamless integration and data security. This role involves driving innovation in HR technology, optimizing HR processes through digital transformation, and enhancing the employee experience. By leveraging advanced technological capabilities, Nomsa Lewisa strengthens FirstRand's ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent globally. The Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology's focus is on building scalable and efficient HR systems that align with the company's strategic people objectives.

    Michael Preston - Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange

    Michael Preston, the Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange at FirstRand, spearheads the technology strategy and operational execution for FNB's foreign exchange services. Overseeing the development and maintenance of robust IT systems, Preston ensures the efficiency, security, and scalability of foreign exchange trading platforms and related financial technologies. This leadership position involves driving digital innovation, managing IT infrastructure, and implementing solutions that enhance customer experience and operational performance within the foreign exchange market. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Michael Preston strengthens FNB's competitive position and facilitates seamless international transactions for clients. The Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange's expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of global currency markets and supporting FirstRand's extensive financial services offerings.

    Tswelo Kodisang - Group Chief People Officer

    Tswelo Kodisang, the Group Chief People Officer at FirstRand, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives across the global group. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, and leadership development, Kodisang ensures a cohesive and high-performing workforce aligned with FirstRand's strategic objectives. This role involves fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, driving change management processes, and implementing innovative HR policies that support employee growth and retention. By championing people-centric strategies, Tswelo Kodisang enhances organizational capability and drives business success. The Group Chief People Officer's focus is on building a robust talent pipeline and cultivating an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the company's mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstRand Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstRand?
    FirstRand is led by Mary Vilakazi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Markos Davias (Chief Financial Officer) and Luke Woodford (Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa).
    Who is part of FirstRand’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstRand includes leaders such as Mary Vilakazi (Chief Executive Officer), Markos Davias (Chief Financial Officer), Luke Woodford (Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa) 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 Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa, Chief Financial Officer, Rmb, Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury.