Staff Writer
FirstRand has announced changes to its banking structure, including the appointment of Lytania Johnson as chief executive officer of First National Bank.
The changes form part of a restructuring aimed at simplifying the bank’s customer model. FNB has operated with separate retail and commercial segments, each with several subsegments.
The group said the size of these divisions now requires a simpler structure.
Under the new structure, retail and commercial segments will be merged into a single retail and business banking division.
The unit will serve entry-level to middle-income customers and small and medium-sized businesses.
Johnson, who leads the personal segment, will head the new division and take on the role of FNB CEO.
She has 25 years of experience at the bank and has served as CEO of the personal segment for three years.
A separate private banking and wealth segment will continue under Sizwe Nxedlana.
Enterprise and public sector operations will be moved into the commercial and corporate bank, led by Muneer Ismail.
Current FNB CEO Harry Kellan will step down and retire at the end of 2026 after 22 years with the group.
He became CEO in April 2024 and led efforts to simplify the bank’s structure.
The group has also created a new chief operating officer role. Gert Kruger will take up the position, while Emma Mer will become chief risk officer.
FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi said the new structure is aimed at improving accountability and supporting growth. She said FNB recorded a 10% increase in pre-tax profits in South Africa and a return on equity of 41% across the group.
The changes will take effect from 1 April 2026.
