Nigerian Economic Summit Group Appoints New Board Members

On Jan 21, 2025

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has announced the appointment of Mr Wole Adeniyi, Mr Mohamad Darwish, and Mr Olusegun Alebiosu to its board.

These appointments reflect the NESG’s dedication to fostering visionary leadership and strengthening partnerships with business leaders and private sector stakeholders to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s economy.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) is pleased to announce the appointment of:

– Mr. Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, @StanbicIBTC

– Mr. Mohamad Darwish, Chief Executive Officer, @IHSTowers

– Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,… pic.twitter.com/Xte2uCqGgQ

— Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) (@officialNESG) January 21, 2025

Wole Adeniyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Bank Ltd., oversees the bank’s strategic direction. His leadership spans technology, digital transformation, corporate and investment banking, as well as retail banking operations, driving innovation and growth across these key areas.

Before assuming this role, he was the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the bank. Until July 2020, he was Executive Director of Personal and Business Banking—the retail and commercial banking business of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC that covers personal banking, including private banking, business (sole proprietor to SME), and commercial segments. Until November 2018, Wole was Executive Director of Operations, with responsibility for Operations, Group Real Estate Service and Procurement and Business Transformation Program for the Bank. Before this appointment, he served as Executive Director of Business Support until November 2011. Wole has a wealth of banking experience spanning almost three decades in technology & digital transformation, domestic and international banking operations, as well as program management and retail banking. He is credited with playing a critical role in formulating and deploying strategies to help turn around Stanbic Bank Nigeria Operations and Technology. Wole sits on the board of the Nigeria-Interbank Settlement System PLC (NIBBS). He holds a First-Class Degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Manchester. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

Mohamad Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, brings over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. Leading operations in IHS Towers’ largest market, he has previously held key roles, including Business Development Director and Deputy CEO.

As CEO, Darwish oversees the team dedicated to expanding IHS Nigeria’s operations and reinforcing its position as the nation’s leading tower infrastructure company. His background spans finance, technical functions, and strategic leadership in the telecom industry.

He oversees the development of the IHS Nigeria strategic plan, the rollout of new sales strategies, and manages various key relationships with clients, regulators, ministries and NGOs. As a member of the IHS Finance and Banking, Risk Management, Ethics, and Compliance committees, Mohamad also focuses on defining IHS Towers strategic plans on a group level while ensuring the company’s full compliance with international standards and best practices. Mohamad is deeply committed to initiatives and programs that position African countries globally, inspire long-term economic growth, and promote sustainable business behaviour. Mohamad holds a Master of Engineering in Applied Operation Research from Cornell University, a Master of Business Administration with Honours from Rollins College, and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the American University of Beirut.

Olusegun Alebiosu was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank Group) in June 2024. In addition to this role, he serves as the non-executive director of FirstBank UK, reinforcing his leadership across the group’s international operations.

With over 28 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, Alebiosu brings extensive expertise to his role, driving growth and innovation across the organization.

Olusegun has demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in various roles. Between 2016 and 2024, he served as Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, and Executive Compliance Officer at FirstBank. His professional experience spans a wide array of disciplines, including credit risk management, financial planning and control, trade, corporate and commercial banking, agriculture financing, oil and gas, transportation (aviation and shipping), and project financing. An accomplished academic, Olusegun is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where he completed the Advanced Management Program and the

Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and personnel management and a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Beyond the boardroom, Olusegun is an avid golfer and adventurer. He is happily married and a proud father, balancing his professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life.