Mary Vilakazi has been appointed as the CEO of FirstRand, becoming the first woman to lead the financial services group in its 185-year history. This groundbreaking appointment marks a significant milestone for gender equality in the banking industry.
- Vilakazi joined FirstRand in 2018 as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has since played a crucial role in the company’s growth and success. Prior to joining FirstRand, she held various positions at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Deputy CEO.
- Vilakazi will take over the reins from Allan Pullinger, who will step down from his role as CEO in April next year. Pullinger has been praised for his leadership and for setting the stage for Vilakazi’s appointment.
- Vilakazi’s appointment emphasizes FirstRand’s commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in senior leadership positions. It sends a powerful message about the importance of empowering women and breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Vilakazi takes over as CEO at a time when FirstRand’s portfolio is in excellent shape across all jurisdictions. The company’s leading brands, top-quality talent, culture of empowerment, and focus on shareholder value creation provide a solid foundation for continued success under Vilakazi’s leadership.
- Alongside Vilakazi’s appointment, other leadership changes have been announced within FirstRand. Jacques Celliers, the CEO of FNB, will now be responsible for the group’s fintech strategy, while Harry Kellan, the current CFO, will succeed Celliers as FNB CEO.
- FirstRand prioritizes a seamless transition of responsibilities and collaborative leadership. The promotion of internal talent ensures that individuals stepping into new roles have the necessary experience, tenure, and proven track records of delivery. Johan Burger, the former CEO of FirstRand, will take over as the new chair of the company.
Mary Vilakazi’s historic appointment as the first female CEO of FirstRand represents a significant step forward in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the financial services industry. Her proven leadership abilities and the strong foundation established by her predecessors position her well to lead FirstRand into a successful future.