Profile

Austin was Born into the Royal Family of Agbarha‐Otor Kingdom, in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. A seasoned professional with a sterling track records spanning diverse pillars of finance, including: Insurance, Risk Management and corporate leadership. Honoured to serve in prestigious roles with recognitions that echo commitment to excellence in every endeavour he undertook through the grace of God.

ln 1980, he embarked on a career that traversed the world of finance, launching his journey with UTC NIG PLC in Benin City, Nigeria. His academic pursuits fuelled his ambitions, and upon his culmination, he delved into the Insurance sector in 1987 with a role in Globe Reinsurance Company Ltd. His trajectory soared, witnessing pivotal roles, including Assistant General Manager, Finance and Administration at Staco lnsurance Plc and Deputy General Manager at BAICO Plc, Lagos, till February, 2002. ln that same year, a pivotal point in his career came up as he assumed the mantle of MD/CEO of SA Assurance Life Ltd, steering its helm until his retirement in 2014. His Retirement unfolded a new chapter as an entrepreneur birthing DD (DavoDani) Microfinance Bank Ltd, a hallmark of his relentless passion for the financial industry, having earlier established DavoDani International (Nig) Limited.

The year 2019 marked yet another pinnacle in his journey when the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria entrusted him with a pivotal role on the Board of the Nigeria Social lnsurance Trust Fund as its Chairman between 2019 - May 2022, a tenure graced with the dual responsibility as the Chairman of Trustfund Pension Ltd, a role he holds to this day with unwavering dedication and visionary leadership.

His educational vista spans a Master's Degree in Business Administration in Management from Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria and a theological depth grounded with a Diploma from Redeemer lnternational Leadership Academy, Lagos. He is proud to have earned Fellowships from respected institutions including the lnstitute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), the Chartered lnstitute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI) as well as senior membership of the Chartered lnsurance lnstitute of Nigeria (CllN). In addition, he is a cherished member of the Chartered lnstitute of Bankers of Nigeria (MCIB) and a full member of the Nigerian lnstitute of Management (MNIM).

Besides, he played important roles, between 2018 and 2023, as the Honourable Treasurer of the Chartered lnstitute of Directors Nigeria (CloD) and Vice Chairman, Finance & General Purpose Committee; lndependent Directors Register and member of the Governing Council of the lnstitute among others. These roles propelled him to foster growth in corporate governance and principles of exceptional leadership that have been the cornerstone of his extensive and rewarding career. These qualities earned him the Conferment of the title as a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute (DF.CIoD) as well as prestigious award of African Leader of Integrity Merit Award by AFRICAN INTEGRITY MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME.

An Alumnus of the Delta State University, Nigeria and the revered Pan-Atlantic University/Lagos Business School as well as the IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain, he has further honed his leadership skills globally, accruing invaluable knowledge in Global leadership Certificate in Ethics and Corporate Governance from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania USA and the esteemed INSEAD World Business School, Fountainbleau, France Certificate in Change Management. His further quest for leadership skills took him to Stanford University Graduates School of Business, California which earned him Certificate for Directors’ Consortium - effective Board and organizational Management.

Elder Isire, as known and addressed in the Christian vineyard of God, is a football enthusiast and actively plays game of Squash and Swimming. He is widely travelled both locally and internationally and happily married with children.