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 I undertake through the grace of God.

ln 1980, I embarked on a career that traversed the world of finance, launching my journey with UTC NIG PLC in Benin City, Nigeria. My academic pursuits fuelled my ambitions, and upon their culmination, I delved into the Insurance sector in 1987 with a role in Globe Reinsurance Company Ltd. My 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 my career came up as I assumed the mantle of MD/CEO of SA Assurance Life Ltd, steering its helm until my retirement in 2014. My Retirement unfolded a new chapter as an entrepreneur birthing DD (DavoDani) Microfinance Bank Ltd, a hallmark of my relentless passion for the financial industry, having earlier established DavoDani International (Nig) Limited.

The year 2019 marked yet another pinnacle in my journey when the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria entrusted me 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 I hold to this day with unwavering dedication and visionary leadership.

My 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. I am 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, a cherished member of the Chartered lnstitute of Bankers of Nigeria (MCIB).

Besides, My journey also echoed the prestigious title of the Fellowship of the Chartered lnstitute of Directors, Nigeria (FloD) and a full member of the Nigerian lnstitute of Management (MNIM). Between 2018 and 2023, I lend my expertise as the Honourable Treasurer of the Chartered lnstitute of Directors Nigeria (CloD) and the Vice Chairman of the Finance & General Purpose Committee. I also devoted myself as a member of the lndependent Directors Register Committee and member, Governing Council of the lnstitute within that space. These roles allow me to foster growth in governance and principles of exceptional leadership that have been the cornerstone of my extensive and rewarding career. These qualities earned me the prestigious award of African Leader of lntegrity Merit Award.

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. In addition, I have further honed my 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. My further quest for leadership skills took me to Stanford University Graduates School of Business, California which earned me 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.