Samuel Aiyere

Samuel Aiyere is an accomplished Finance Professional and Board Director with over thirty-three years of financial services industry experience and a track record of driving business growth, transformational change and optimal standards of quality, efficiency and profitability via motivational leadership, astute strategy development and robust operational management. He brings extensive board-level experience and proven skills in financial management, corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters, risk management, people and culture management, business development and digital strategy. Adept in identifying and realising opportunities for business growth, process improvement, building elite teams and empowering senior decision-makers.

Samuel is a dedicated, adaptable and resilient leader with proactive, analytical and result-driven approach. Renowned for rapidly delivering pragmatic solutions to complex challenges and establishing harmonious, enduring and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Samuel served on the Board of First Bank UK Ltd for over nine years and was Chief Executive Officer of the Bank until 30 June 2023. Prior to his various roles at First Bank UK, Samuel worked with ANZ Grindlays Merchant Bank and FBN (Merchant Bankers) Limited.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Accounting and MBA with specialisation in Business Finance. He has attended various executive management and leadership programmes at the Cranfield Business School, Wharton Business School and the Leadership Trust.

Samuel has strong UK corporate governance and compliance experience combined with extensive knowledge of Emerging Market (e.g Africa, Asia, Middle East) business and risks. He is happily married with children.