Leadership Changes at FirstRand with Mary Vilakazi Taking the Helm as the new CEO

At FirstRand, both group CEO Alan Pullinger and FNB CEO Jacques Celliers are transitioning to new roles. Alan Pullinger is stepping down as the group’s CEO and will be succeeded by Mary Vilakazi, the current group Chief Operating Officer (COO). Meanwhile, Jacques Celliers will be relinquishing his position as FNB CEO to take on a new role overseeing the group’s fintech strategy. He will be succeeded by FirstRand group Chief Financial Officer Harry Kellan. These leadership transitions are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2024.

Pullinger has had a distinguished 26-year career at FirstRand, including serving as RMB CEO before becoming FirstRand deputy CEO in early 2015. He assumed the role of group CEO in early 2018 with the intention of a six-year tenure, which aligns with his anticipated departure in 2024.

Mary Vilakazi joined FirstRand as group COO in 2018, coming from MMI Holdings, where she held positions such as chief financial officer (CFO) and deputy CEO. As one of three FirstRand executive directors, Vilakazi has been closely involved in strategy execution and has successfully led various growth and diversification initiatives. She currently oversees critical central functions such as risk, compliance, treasury, and audit as the CEO of the corporate center.

After serving as FNB CEO for a decade, Jacques Celliers will assume responsibility for the group’s fintech strategy, aiming to generate revenue from activities related to financial services. Several of these activities, including the MVNO and the nav» lifestyle offerings, have been developed within FNB over the years and are gaining traction with customers. FirstRand believes that dedicated leadership is required to scale and expand this strategy.

Harry Kellan, who has been CFO of FirstRand for ten years, will take over as CEO of FNB. Kellan originally joined FNB in 2005 and spent seven years as CFO before being appointed as FirstRand CFO in 2014. His extensive experience at FNB positions him well to lead the largest customer franchise within the portfolio. Kellan has played a pivotal role in shaping FNB’s key strategies and will now lead the organization as CEO.

Markos Davias, the current CFO of FNB, will assume the role of group CFO, succeeding Harry Kellan. Before transferring to FNB in 2020, Davias served as CFO of RMB from 2015. His experience as CFO of both of the group’s largest franchises makes him an ideal candidate for the role of group CFO. Davias has worked closely with Kellan for over a decade, ensuring a seamless transition.

Gideon Joubert, who is currently the CFO of the group’s broader Africa portfolio, will succeed Davias as FNB CFO. He, in turn, will be succeeded by Taufeeqa Waja, who currently serves as the head of finance for the broader Africa portfolio.

In addition to these leadership changes, FirstRand announced that its current chairman, Roger Jardine, will step down at FirstRand’s AGM on November 30, 2023. The board has appointed Johan Burger as chairman, effective from December 1, 2023.

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