FirstBank Ghana has announced the appointment of Osahon Ogieva as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Ghana Limited, marking a significant leadership transition.

Mr Ogieva takes over from Victor Yaw Asante, who has concluded a successful two-term tenure and has been elevated to an international banking role within the FirstBank Group.

He is expected to build on the solid foundation laid by Mr Asante, whose tenure was marked by brand strengthening, business expansion, talent development, product innovation, and deep community engagement.

With over 25 years of multi-sector experience, Mr Ogieva has built a distinguished career spanning petroleum services, manufacturing, banking and financial services.

His professional expertise covers administration, project management, risk management, credit and loan administration, marketing, controls, and relationship banking competencies that align strongly with FirstBank Ghana’s strategic priorities.

Mr Ogieva joined First Bank of Nigeria Limited in 2015 within the Corporate Banking Directorate following an accomplished career at UBA Plc, Nigeria, and Fidelity Bank Plc, Nigeria.

During his time at FirstBank Nigeria, he rose to become General Manager and Group Head in charge of Telecoms and other Conglomerate Businesses, where he managed a portfolio valued at approximately $720 million.

In this role, Mr Ogieva successfully led deal origination, complex transaction structuring, and high-level negotiations, contributing significantly to the bank’s leadership position in Nigeria’s corporate banking sector.

A trained economist, Mr Ogieva holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

He possesses an impressive academic and executive education background, including a Joint MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (USA), and the Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada, as well as an MBA from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

Mr Ogieva has also completed executive programmes at globally renowned institutions such as Stanford University, INSEAD, Cranfield School of Management, and the Lagos Business School (Nigeria).

He is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Thought leader

Over the past two decades, Mr Ogieva has been recognised as a thought leader in macroeconomic policy and has played an active role in virtually every landmark telecom sector deal in Nigeria.

He is credited with deep sector knowledge, strategic insight, and stakeholder management capabilities, which are said to position him strongly to advance FirstBank Ghana’s growth and transformation agenda.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ogieva said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana at such an important time in the Bank’s journey.

“I look forward to building on the strong legacy of my predecessor, Mr Victor Yaw Asante.

Together with the Board and management team, I am committed to deepening customer relationships, driving innovation, empowering our people, and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders. 

“Under my leadership, we shall deepen our commitment to delivering greater value for our stakeholders, putting them at the heart of all we do,” he added.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, welcomed the appointment, saying, “Osahon Ogieva brings exceptional experience, strategic insight, and a proven track record in corporate and relationship banking”.

“His appointment reflects our focus on continuity and excellence in leadership.

We are confident that he will build on the strong foundation laid by Victor Yaw Asante and lead FirstBank Ghana into its next phase of growth, innovation and impact,” Mr Alebiosu added.