FirstRand has announced the appointment of Luke Woodford as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Broader Africa, bringing with him over 15 years of experience within the FirstRand Group, including a decade in senior financial leadership roles.
Woodford, who previously served as CFO of FNB Botswana, expressed his excitement about the new role, emphasizing his commitment to fostering collaborative environments and supporting team growth.
“I am approachable, easy to work with, and I enjoy creating collaborative spaces. I aim to be accessible—offering guidance and a soundboard to all,” he said.
Reflecting on his career journey, Woodford shared his humble beginnings as a bank teller, which provided him with a solid understanding of banking and customer service. His professional path includes two years of full-time volunteer work in Uganda and Ethiopia before returning to the banking sector.
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His extensive career with FirstRand Group spans various key positions, including roles in the FNB Home Loans division and as CFO of FNB Tanzania and FirstRand India. In 2018, he assumed the CFO position at FNB Botswana, where he oversaw key financial operations and was appointed to the FNBB board of directors in 2022.
Woodford’s expertise covers accounting, finance, credit, risk, and strategy, aligning with FirstRand’s growth ambitions across the African continent.
A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA), Woodford also completed the Accelerated Development Programme at the prestigious Wharton Business School in 2015.
As he steps into his new role, Woodford remains guided by a personal philosophy:
“My dreams are valid, and I hope they will happen. But if not, I will still build a happy, full life.”
His appointment underscores FirstRand’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it continues to expand its footprint across Africa.
