FirstRand Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstRand has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and risk management.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, FirstRand provides comprehensive financial services across multiple continents, shaping market dynamics through diverse offerings in banking, asset financing, and investment banking.

Leadership Roles at FirstRand

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bydon Longwe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joan Faith
  • Chief Financial Officer, Rmb - Jaco Van Wyk
  • Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa - Luke Woodford
  • 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
  • Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology - Nomsa Lewisa
  • Chief Information Officer, Fcc - Alan Vickery
  • Bydon Longwe - Chief Executive Officer

    Bydon Longwe, the Chief Executive Officer at FirstRand, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global expansion initiatives. Overseeing all major divisions, including banking, asset financing, and investment banking, Longwe ensures cohesive execution of the company's financial services portfolio across Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, and the United Kingdom. This leadership role involves aligning operational objectives with long-term market positioning and shareholder value enhancement. By driving strategic partnerships and fostering innovation, Bydon Longwe significantly impacts the group's competitive advantage and financial performance. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes navigating complex regulatory environments and identifying new growth opportunities within the global financial sector. Longwe's strategic vision guides the organization's response to evolving market demands and economic shifts, securing FirstRand's sustained market leadership.

    Joan Faith - Chief Financial Officer

    Joan Faith, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstRand, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies for the group. Overseeing all financial operations, Faith ensures robust fiscal health and compliance with international accounting standards across FirstRand's global footprint. This leadership position involves managing investment portfolios, optimizing treasury functions, and securing funding to support ongoing business development and expansion. By providing critical financial insights, Joan Faith enables informed strategic decision-making and drives sustainable revenue growth. The Chief Financial Officer's mandate includes developing financial models to assess market opportunities and mitigate economic risks. Faith's expertise in financial analysis is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and achieving long-term profitability targets for the organization.

    Jaco Van Wyk - Chief Financial Officer, Rmb

    Jaco Van Wyk, the Chief Financial Officer, Rmb at FirstRand, directs the financial strategy and performance management for Rand Merchant Bank. Overseeing all financial operations within RMB, Van Wyk ensures robust fiscal discipline, accurate reporting, and effective capital allocation to support investment banking activities. This role involves managing risk, optimizing profitability, and driving financial planning to align with RMB's strategic objectives. By providing critical financial oversight, Jaco Van Wyk directly contributes to the sustained success and growth of the investment banking division. The Chief Financial Officer's mandate includes developing financial models for complex transactions and ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations. Van Wyk's financial acumen is essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of investment banking and maximizing shareholder value.

    Luke Woodford - Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa

    Luke Woodford, the Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa at FirstRand, leads financial strategy and operations across the group's African markets outside of South Africa. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and performance analysis for these key regions, Woodford ensures fiscal responsibility and drives profitable growth. This role involves managing currency risks, optimizing capital deployment, and ensuring compliance with diverse regulatory frameworks across the continent. By providing strategic financial guidance, Luke Woodford directly supports FirstRand's expansion and market penetration in Africa. The Chief Financial Officer's mandate includes developing financial models to assess regional opportunities and mitigate economic volatility. Woodford's expertise is crucial for navigating the unique financial landscapes of emerging African economies and achieving sustainable business outcomes.

    Lynne Hume - Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury

    Lynne Hume, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury at FirstRand, oversees the financial strategy and management of the group's financial, corporate, and treasury functions. Directing capital allocation, liquidity management, and funding strategies, Hume ensures the financial stability and resilience of the entire organization. This critical role involves managing relationships with financial institutions, optimizing the group's balance sheet, and ensuring compliance with global treasury regulations. By implementing robust financial controls, Lynne Hume directly contributes to FirstRand's strong financial position and its ability to navigate market fluctuations. The Group Chief Financial Officer's mandate includes developing sophisticated risk management frameworks for treasury operations. Hume's leadership ensures efficient deployment of capital and sustained financial performance across all divisions.

    Peter Marshall - Chief Operating Officer

    Peter Marshall, the Chief Operating Officer at FirstRand, manages the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across all business units. Overseeing the integration of technology and process improvements, Marshall ensures seamless customer experiences through the company's mobile application and various banking platforms. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining workflows within FirstRand Bank Holdings, WesBank, and Rand Merchant Bank. By driving operational excellence, Peter Marshall directly contributes to enhanced productivity and cost management. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to managing risk mitigation strategies within operational frameworks and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across all operating geographies. Marshall's focus on scalable infrastructure supports the company's expansion into new markets and its ability to serve a diverse client base effectively.
    Peter Marshall

    Lisa Brown - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Brown, the Chief of Staff at FirstRand, facilitates strategic initiatives and enhances executive team effectiveness. Coordinating cross-functional projects and managing key stakeholder communications, Brown ensures alignment between departmental objectives and the overall corporate mission. This role involves driving special projects, optimizing internal processes, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in executing strategic priorities across the global financial services group. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration, Lisa Brown directly supports the efficient functioning of FirstRand's leadership. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing board meeting logistics, and overseeing the implementation of critical organizational changes. Brown's strategic support is vital for navigating complex business challenges and driving organizational agility.

    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 for foreign exchange operations. Overseeing the development and implementation of innovative fintech solutions, Preston ensures the security and efficiency of all IT infrastructure supporting foreign exchange services. This role involves managing system upgrades, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and leveraging data analytics to improve customer service and operational performance. By driving technological advancements, Michael Preston directly contributes to FirstRand's competitive edge in the foreign exchange market. The Chief Information Officer's mandate includes ensuring seamless integration of new technologies and maintaining robust disaster recovery plans. Preston's leadership ensures that FNB Foreign Exchange remains at the forefront of digital innovation in financial services.

    Nomsa Lewisa - Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology

    Nomsa Lewisa, the Group Chief Information Officer, Human Capital Technology at FirstRand, spearheads the technology strategy for human capital management across the organization. Overseeing the development and deployment of HR technology solutions, Lewisa ensures that systems effectively support employee engagement, talent acquisition, and performance management. This leadership position involves managing the IT infrastructure for all human resources functions, driving digital transformation in HR processes, and ensuring data security for sensitive employee information. By enhancing HR technology capabilities, Nomsa Lewisa directly contributes to FirstRand's ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent globally. The Group Chief Information Officer's mandate includes implementing scalable HR platforms that align with the company's growth objectives and foster a positive work environment. Lewisa's strategic vision ensures that technology empowers the workforce.

    Alan Vickery - Chief Information Officer, Fcc

    Alan Vickery, the Chief Information Officer, Fcc at FirstRand, directs the technology strategy and digital infrastructure for the group's financial, corporate, and control functions. Overseeing the implementation of secure and scalable IT solutions, Vickery ensures operational efficiency and data integrity across critical business processes. This leadership role involves managing system architecture, driving cybersecurity initiatives, and leveraging technology to enhance internal controls and reporting capabilities. By optimizing IT operations, Alan Vickery directly supports FirstRand's commitment to robust governance and risk management. The Chief Information Officer's mandate includes ensuring seamless integration of new technologies and maintaining high availability of essential business systems. Vickery's strategic focus on technology empowers the FCC division to operate with maximum effectiveness and security.

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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 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 Bydon Longwe (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, Chief Financial Officer, Broader Africa, Group Chief Financial Officer, Fcc & Treasury.