FirstRand Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, FirstRand is a global financial services group dedicated to delivering comprehensive banking, financing, and investment solutions across multiple continents, impacting both business and consumer markets.

Leadership Roles at FirstRand

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mary Vilakazi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joan Faith
  • Chief Financial Officer, Rmb - Jaco Van Wyk
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury - Lynne Hume
  • Chief Operating Officer - Peter Marshall
  • Chief of Staff - Lisa Brown
  • Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange - Michael Preston
  • Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office - Hilda Nsibande
  • Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology - Nomsa Lewisa
  • 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. Vilakazi guides the company's expansion across continents, ensuring alignment with its mission to provide innovative financial solutions. This leadership role involves overseeing the diverse divisions, including banking, asset financing, and investment banking services, to foster synergistic growth and market leadership. Vilakazi drives the integration of digital platforms and mobile applications to enhance customer service and operational efficiency across all business units. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on strengthening FirstRand's global presence and solidifying its position as a leader in the finance and banking sectors. By championing strategic initiatives, Mary Vilakazi ensures the company's sustained impact on both business-to-business and consumer financial markets, driving forward the group's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
    Mary Vilakazi

    Joan Faith - Chief Financial Officer

    Joan Faith, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstRand, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the expansive global financial services group. Faith oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring robust financial performance across diverse business units. This critical role involves close collaboration with divisional leaders to optimize profitability and manage financial risks effectively. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to reporting financial results to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations. Joan Faith drives initiatives aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and supporting the company's growth objectives through sound fiscal management. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and strategic investment planning, Faith ensures the long-term stability and economic viability of FirstRand's operations across Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, and the United Kingdom.

    Jaco Van Wyk - Chief Financial Officer, Rmb

    Jaco Van Wyk, the Chief Financial Officer, Rmb at FirstRand, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management specifically for Rand Merchant Bank, the investment banking division. Van Wyk oversees all financial planning, reporting, and risk management activities pertinent to RMB's operations, ensuring its financial integrity and profitability. This specialized role involves managing complex financial instruments and transactions inherent in investment banking. The Chief Financial Officer, Rmb's responsibilities include optimizing capital structure and driving financial performance to support RMB's strategic objectives within the broader FirstRand group. Jaco Van Wyk collaborates closely with RMB's leadership to identify new investment opportunities and manage financial exposures effectively. By providing expert financial oversight, Van Wyk ensures RMB's continued success and contribution to FirstRand's overall financial strength and market position.

    Lynne Hume - Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury

    Lynne Hume, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury at FirstRand, manages the financial integrity and strategic treasury operations for the entire group. Hume oversees financial control, corporate finance, and treasury functions, ensuring robust financial management and compliance across all international operations. This key role involves optimizing the group's capital structure, managing liquidity, and mitigating financial risks. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury's responsibilities include financial planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to maintain investor confidence. Lynne Hume drives initiatives aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and supporting sustainable growth through prudent financial stewardship. By ensuring sound financial practices and strategic capital deployment, Hume reinforces FirstRand's stability and its capacity for continued expansion in the global financial services market.

    Peter Marshall - Chief Operating Officer

    Peter Marshall, the Chief Operating Officer at FirstRand, orchestrates the day-to-day operational activities and drives efficiency across the global financial services group. Marshall oversees the implementation of operational strategies, ensuring seamless integration of services offered by divisions such as FirstRand Bank Holdings, WesBank, and Rand Merchant Bank. This leadership position involves optimizing business processes, managing resources effectively, and enhancing service delivery for both business-to-business and consumer clients. The Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes leveraging technology, such as the company's mobile application, to streamline operations and improve customer experience. Peter Marshall focuses on operational excellence, driving initiatives that support the company's expansion into new markets and strengthen its presence in existing regions. By ensuring robust operational frameworks, Marshall underpins FirstRand's ability to deliver consistent value and maintain its competitive edge in the international finance sector.
    Peter Marshall

    Lisa Brown - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Brown, the Chief of Staff at FirstRand, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team of the global financial services group. Brown facilitates the execution of key strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment across various departments and subsidiaries. This role involves managing critical projects, optimizing communication flows, and enhancing the effectiveness of executive decision-making processes. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, coordinating board meetings, and driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational objectives. Lisa Brown plays a pivotal part in translating the company's vision into actionable plans, ensuring that strategic priorities are effectively implemented across all operational areas. By streamlining executive operations and fostering efficient workflows, Brown contributes significantly to FirstRand's ability to navigate complex market dynamics and achieve its growth targets.

    Michael Preston - Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange

    Michael Preston, the Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange at FirstRand, leads the technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives for FNB's foreign exchange operations. Preston oversees the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions that enhance the efficiency and security of foreign exchange services. This role involves managing the technology infrastructure, ensuring system reliability, and driving digital innovation to meet evolving customer needs. The Chief Information Officer, At Fnb Foreign Exchange's responsibilities include leveraging data analytics and advanced technologies to optimize trading platforms and customer interfaces. Michael Preston focuses on ensuring that FNB's foreign exchange technology remains at the forefront of the industry, supporting seamless transactions and robust risk management. By driving technological advancements, Preston strengthens FNB's competitive position in the global foreign exchange market.
    Michael Preston

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

    Hilda Nsibande, the Chief of Staff & Group Chief, Firstrand Value Office at FirstRand, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational enhancements focused on maximizing value across the group. Nsibande directs the activities of the FirstRand Value Office, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching mission and financial objectives. This multifaceted role involves driving efficiency improvements, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices throughout the organization. The Chief of Staff & Group Chief's responsibilities include coordinating cross-divisional projects and supporting executive leadership in strategic decision-making. Hilda Nsibande plays a crucial part in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance shareholder value and operational effectiveness. By championing value-creation strategies, Nsibande contributes significantly to FirstRand's sustained growth and market leadership in the global financial services landscape.

    Nomsa Lewisa - Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology

    Nomsa Lewisa, the Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology at FirstRand, leads the technology strategy and digital transformation for the group's human capital management systems. Lewisa oversees the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions that enhance employee experience, streamline HR processes, and support talent management across all global operations. This role involves managing the technology infrastructure for HR systems, ensuring data security, and driving digital innovation to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. The Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology's responsibilities include leveraging data analytics and advanced technologies to optimize HR platforms and employee engagement tools. Nomsa Lewisa focuses on ensuring that FirstRand's human capital technology remains at the forefront of the industry, supporting efficient talent acquisition, development, and retention. By driving technological advancements in HR, Lewisa strengthens FirstRand's ability to attract and retain top talent globally.

    Tswelo Kodisang - Group Chief People Officer

    Tswelo Kodisang, the Group Chief People Officer at FirstRand, directs the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives for the global financial services group. Kodisang oversees all aspects of people operations, including recruitment, employee development, compensation, and fostering a positive organizational culture across diverse international locations. This leadership role is critical in attracting, retaining, and developing the talent necessary to achieve FirstRand's strategic objectives. The Group Chief People Officer's responsibilities include implementing progressive HR policies, driving employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with labor laws across different regions. Tswelo Kodisang champions initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, reinforcing FirstRand's commitment to its employees and its reputation as an employer of choice. By focusing on human capital development, Kodisang significantly contributes to the group's overall success and sustained growth.

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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 Joan Faith (Chief Financial Officer) and Jaco Van Wyk (Chief Financial Officer, Rmb).
    Who is part of FirstRand’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstRand includes leaders such as Mary Vilakazi (Chief Executive Officer), Joan Faith (Chief Financial Officer), Jaco Van Wyk (Chief Financial Officer, Rmb) 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, Rmb, Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury, Chief Operating Officer.