In a move that signals both a deepening of governance and a reaffirmation of its core philosophy, pan-African investment powerhouse Heirs Holdings has welcomed distinguished banking executive Sola Yomi-Ajayi to its Board as a Non-Executive Director. This is not merely an appointment; for Yomi-Ajayi, it is the convergence of a three-decade career with a lifelong personal conviction.
“I have long believed that Africa’s next phase of growth will be driven by strategic capital, innovation, strong governance, collaborative partnerships, and responsible private-sector investment,” Yomi-Ajayi shared on LinkedIn, announcing her new role. Her words capture the essential thesis behind her journey—one that has now led her to the boardroom of one of Africa’s most influential investment companies.
A Career Forged in the Fire of Global Finance
Yomi-Ajayi’s pedigree is one of transformative leadership. Her story is etched across the continents, beginning on the trading floors of Citibank Nigeria and Zenith International Bank. It was at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, however, where her impact scaled to monumental proportions.
Over two decades, she shaped and steered UBA’s international destiny. As Executive Director and CEO of UBA America, she orchestrated a period of explosive growth, expanding the balance sheet by over 450% while launching pioneering products and fortifying governance from New York to Paris. Later, as Group Executive Director overseeing nine African nations, she delivered double-digit profit growth, secured landmark infrastructure financing, and co-authored thought leadership presented at the IMF/World Bank meetings.
“Her expertise isn’t just in banking; it’s in building bridges between continents and capital,” observes a former colleague. “She understands the mechanics of global finance and the heartbeat of African opportunity.”
The Alignment of Philosophy and Purpose
What makes this appointment particularly resonant is the profound alignment between the leader and the institution. Heirs Holdings is the standard-bearer for Africapitalism—the belief that the private sector must be the primary engine for Africa’s economic and social transformation. For Yomi-Ajayi, this is not a corporate slogan, but a creed that has “consistently shaped my work across sectors and markets.”
“Heirs Holdings’ philosophy… resonates deeply with my personal values,” she stated. This synergy suggests her role will extend beyond traditional oversight. She is poised to be a strategic catalyst, applying her unparalleled experience in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and development finance to Heirs Holdings’ portfolios in energy, infrastructure, financial services, and hospitality.
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The Mandate: Governance, Growth, and Legacy
As a Non-Executive Director, Yomi-Ajayi’s mandate is clear: to bolster governance and provide sharp strategic oversight. She brings a practitioner’s insight, having navigated complex regulatory environments from the City of London to Dubai’s DIFC, currently serving on the board of UBA UK
“I look forward to working with my fellow Directors to strengthen governance, support sustainable value creation, and help accelerate inclusive growth across the continent,” she affirmed.
For Heirs Holdings’ Founder, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, the appointment is a strategic masterstroke. It brings onto the board a leader whose career is a testament to the very principles Africapitalism champions—ethical capital, strategic patience, and transformative impact.
A Lifelong Conviction Meets a Continental Vision
Sola Yomi-Ajayi’s appointment is more than a new line on an illustrious resume. It is the beginning of a new chapter where a deeply held, personal belief in Africa’s potential meets the platform and purpose to magnify it on a continental scale.
“This appointment marks a new chapter in my professional journey,” she said, “and reflects a lifelong conviction in Africa’s immense potential.”
As she joins the board of Heirs Holdings, that conviction is now paired with the leverage to help shape the resilient and competitive African economies she has long envisioned. The story is no longer just about her journey, but about the future she is helping to build.
