NOVA Bank has announced the appointment of David Isiavwe as executive director, Operations and Information Technology, and Chinwe Iloghalu as executive director, Institutional and Commercial Banking.

These appointments are part of NOVA Bank’s plan to strengthen its leadership team as the Bank continues its innovative journey, following its recent transition to a national commercial bank.

In a statement issued by the bank, it stated that “Isiavwe has over 30 years of banking experience in domestic and international banks. With a Ph.D. in Accounting. Isiavwe is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and Fellow Compliance Institute of Nigeria (FCIN) in addition to other professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) amongst others.”

According to the statement: “He has attended leadership programmes in some major global institutions such as Harvard Business School, MIT and Oxford University. He currently serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), and holds a position on the Governing Council of the Fintech Association of Nigeria. Additionally, he chairs the Statutory Audit Committee of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS). His appointment underscores NOVA’s focus on digital transformation, with his vast experience playing a crucial role in advancing the Bank’s technology-driven phygital model.”

It also said that Chinwe Iloghalu, with close to 30 years of experience in the banking industry, joins as executive director for Corporate and Commercial Banking, the key business and relationship management engine of the bank.

“Throughout her distinguished career, she has made significant contributions in business and corporate banking, with expertise spanning sectors such as energy, corporate, commercial and digital banking, where she has consistently created sustainable value and returns for key stakeholders.

“Holding an MSc in Media and Communications, along with an MBA, Chinwe is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA). She has attended leadership and executive programs in key institutions such as Said Business School Oxford, Harvard Business School, Wharton amongst others. Her role will be central to enhancing NOVA’s commercial banking rollout across all key business development segments.

“Phillips Oduoza, chairman of NOVA Bank, commented on the appointments: “The addition of Dr. Isiavwe and Mrs. Iloghalu marks a critical point in constituting the management team that will lead NOVA into its next phase of growth. David’s expertise in technology will be key in enhancing our phygital model, while Chinwe’s strong business drive and relationship management coupled with the retail and product engine of the bank will be instrumental in driving the Bank’s strategic intent to become a formidable player in the banking industry,” the bank said.

The bank further said that the new appointees’ deep understanding of digital and electronic banking would significantly contribute to its trademarked phygital experience, “which seamlessly combines the best of in-person service and bespoke digital solutions to serve our customers. Both leaders bring valuable experience that aligns perfectly with NOVA’s vision to be Africa’s preferred financial solutions provider.”

It added that “These two appointments will further diversify the board and bring about inclusiveness noted by Mr. Oduoza.”

The statement explained that “As NOVA Bank continues its expansion and transformation into a national commercial bank, these leadership appointments highlight its commitment to delivering innovative financial services. The Bank’s phygital model, combining cutting-edge technology with a physical presence, is redefining customer experiences and setting the stage for future advancements in the Nigerian banking landscape.”