FirstRand, one of Africa’s largest financial services groups, has announced a major overhaul of its banking structure, alongside the appointment of a new CEO for First National Bank (FNB), Reuters reported.
The restructuring is aimed at simplifying operations and improving agility, with the group replacing its long-standing retail and commercial segment model with a new Retail and Business Banking (RBB) division that will serve individuals and small-to-medium enterprises.
As part of the leadership shake-up, Lytania Johnson has been appointed CEO of FNB, stepping up from her previous role leading the personal banking segment. Her appointment takes effect from April 2026, marking a significant leadership transition within the group, according to Businesstech.
The changes also include the planned early retirement of current FNB CEO Harry Kellan, who will step down at the end of 2026 after overseeing efforts to streamline the bank’s structure and improve operational efficiency.
Analysts say the overhaul reflects FirstRand’s push to adapt to scale, enhance decision-making, and maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving banking landscape, particularly as digital transformation and customer-centric models reshape financial services across Africa.
