TymeBank has appointed Cheslyn Jacobs as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026.
Jacobs will succeed Karl Westvig, who has been part of the bank’s leadership since 2023 and will remain in an advisory role to support its continued growth.
A founding member of TymeBank, Jacobs brings extensive institutional knowledge and leadership experience, having played a key role in the bank’s development since its inception.
His appointment signals a new phase for the bank, focusing on innovation, customer experience, and sustainable expansion.
“Cheslyn’s deep understanding of our customers, strategy, and people uniquely positions him to lead TymeBank into its next era,”
said Thabani Jali, Chairman of TymeBank Holdings Limited.
“It’s time to compete even harder for market share as we mature as a business. Under Cheslyn’s leadership, and with our talented team reshaping banking for all South Africans, TymeBank is geared to create even greater value for our customers and partners.”
Since launching in 2019, TymeBank has grown its customer base to over 11 million, establishing itself as one of South Africa’s leading digital banks.
Jali also acknowledged outgoing CEO Westvig’s role in strengthening the bank’s commercial offering, enhancing its small business focus, and integrating Retail Capital into the Tyme ecosystem.
Jacobs and Westvig will work together over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition.
“TymeBank has always been about challenging convention and making banking more accessible for all South Africans,”
Jacobs said.
“As we move into this next chapter, marked by a sharper focus on customer experience, I’m excited to build on the strong foundation our team has created.”
Jacobs holds a BCom in Industrial Psychology from the University of the Western Cape and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria.
His prior experience includes roles at Standard Bank and Deloitte.
He joined Tyme in 2012, became Head of Sales and Services in 2019, and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in 2022, overseeing revenue generation and business growth.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mrsiraphol via Freepik
This article first appeared on Fintech News Singapore
