Our Man Crush Monday, Rob Okiyi is s strategic business leader, one who is passionate about transferring knowledge and making a positive impact. Working with Microvest as the Chief Operating Officer, Rob has within a short timespan since his appointment been able to lead the fintech startup’s solution-oriented growth strategy, giving it the visibility and growth rate it requires.
Rob has an insatiable thirst for learning and personal development. As an erudite and astute scholar, he graduated from Babcock University, Nigeria with a degree in economics, and went on to obtain a certification in strategy and operations from the International Business Management Institute, Berlin, Germany and an Executive MBA in strategic business management from the Metropolitan School of Business & Management, UK. He also received training on savings mobilization, digital finance and product development at the Helix School of Digital Finance. Currently, Rob is rounding off a Master of Data Science programme at the Rome Business School, Italy, as well as an MSc programme in data science at Valencia International University, Spain. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). His degrees and certificates, together with a background spanning banking, finance, insurance, consulting, strategy, research, customer Service, sales, and business development make him a valuable business leader.
Rob began to hone his business and leadership skills as a Youth Corps member with the Central Bank of Nigeria. He forged ahead in his career with Standard Chartered before moving to Allianz Insurance as a Unit Sales Manager. He cut his teeth in business strategy while working with Fortis Microfinance Bank as a Strategy Officer. He has served as the Head of Business Strategy with Seedbuilders Nigeria, an innovation hub, co-working space, and consulting firm; and just prior to joining Microvest, he served as the Head of Strategy, Research & Planning at Bridge Credit Limited, a consumer finance company.
Throughout his career, Rob is known to have motivated teams to execute and design viable projects and products. He got certified in several management and soft skills such as emotional intelligence, interpersonal and corporate communications, and value-oriented culture and leadership to enable him get the best out of himself and others.
When he is not immersed in business strategy and leadership, Rob sings and plays the piano. Rob’s endearing personality, business acumen and leadership abilities are irresistible; no wonder he is our Man Crush Monday.