Established in 2019, Leatherback embarked on a mission to unify the world’s 180 currencies. Its approach emphasizes customer-centric product offerings, designed to provide users with seamless transaction experiences across multiple currencies and international borders. With the company’s continued expansion into new markets and the introduction of innovative features aimed at enhancing user experience, recent leadership appointments reflect an intent to harness the power of expertise, robust networks, and core competencies. This strategic realignment will not only unlock new opportunities but also drive innovation and bolster stakeholder confidence.
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Ochebhoya Ekpete Named Managing Director
Leatherback is excited to announce the appointment of Ochebhoya Ekpete as its new Managing Director in the UK, pending regulatory approval. Relinquishing the interim CEO position, Ukpete steps in with over 15 years of extensive experience in financial leadership, governance, and transformative practices across fintech and payments sectors. His illustrious career includes impactful roles at renowned companies like Cellulant, Interswitch, and Stripe, where he contributed significantly to global financial strategy, commercial pricing, and treasury operations. At Leatherback, his focus will be on fortifying financial controls, enhancing operational efficiency, and steering the company towards achieving its long-term financial ambitions.
Reflecting on his new role, Ekpete expressed enthusiasm, stating, “As key players in the global financial space, Leatherback is playing a critical role in ensuring that challenges surrounding seamless cross-border payments and transactions are a thing of the past. We are not just building reliable payment solutions; we’re also opening doors to global possibilities for individuals and businesses. I am honored to be coming onboard at this time, and I look forward to collaborating with this incredible team to scale our impact.”
Usman Amusat Joins as VP Product and Operations
Usman Amusat has taken on the role of Vice President of Product and Operations at Leatherback. His background is rich with experience in creating user-centric products across fintech, digital banking, and identity verification systems. Known for his proactive leadership and relentless passion for product innovation, Usman has been instrumental at top African tech firms, including Flutterwave, Smile Identity, and most recently, Dot, where he served as Chief Product Officer.
In his new role, Usman is set to drive product development, operational excellence, and market expansion. His profound expertise in user experience design and strategic growth perfectly aligns with Leatherback’s mission to simplify global payments and unify currencies worldwide. His journey reminds us of a poignant question: How do we truly measure the success of a product? For Usman, it’s about understanding user needs and transforming them into tangible solutions.
Mayowa Afe-Ogundele Joins as Chief Technology Officer
Mayowa Afe-Ogundele, with a wealth of experience in building secure and scalable financial systems, joins Leatherback as Chief Technology Officer. His expertise encompasses digital payments, systems architecture, and emerging technologies, including blockchain. Mayowa’s primary role will be to oversee the technology strategy and infrastructure development at Leatherback.
Speaking in an executive management meeting, he expressed his excitement: “I am eager to join Leatherback at this critical juncture of our journey. I particularly look forward to strengthening our core infrastructure as we advance in our mission to scale cross-border payments across the globe.” His insights resonate with anyone striving for positive change in a rapidly evolving industry. What does security mean in an interconnected world? For Mayowa, it’s about ensuring trust and reliability at every step.
Oreoluwa Ajayi Resumes as Head of Sales (Digital Ecosystems)
Another remarkable addition to the Leatherback executive team is Oreoluwa Ajayi. With over 13 years of experience in business transformation and customer engagement in the fintech space, she has made significant strides at companies like Interswitch, Migo, and Prembly, where she headed commercial growth strategies. At Leatherback, Oreoluwa will spearhead sales initiatives, expand business opportunities, and enhance customer relationships.
As the company faces ongoing challenges around interoperability and compliance, it aims to dismantle barriers in cross-border payment systems. The goal is to create a platform that offers multi-currency wallets, instant transfers, and a compliant infrastructure. Such advancements are vital not only for profitability but also for fostering financial inclusion—making access to services simpler, cheaper, and more equitable across diverse populations.
Through these strategic appointments, Leatherback reiterates its unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovative solutions. As the company scales its offerings across Africa, the UK, North America, and beyond, this new assembly of seasoned professionals will drive its mission forward with renewed zeal.
Leatherback, a UK-licensed cross-border payments platform, was designed to empower users in Africa and around the world to transact effortlessly in multiple currencies. By simplifying remittances, supporting business growth, and unlocking myriad opportunities, Leatherback serves users in more than 15 countries.
It’s clear that the road ahead is promising as Leatherback continues to pioneer solutions in the global payment landscape. As these leaders come together, one can almost hear the collective heartbeat of innovation resounding through the company—a testament to the power of unified vision and teamwork.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
