In a strategic move to bolster its mission of transforming financial access for Africans and businesses across the globe, Leatherback, a UK-licensed cross-border payments platform, has unveiled four significant additions to its executive leadership team. This move signals a bold step forward for the fintech innovator as it strengthens its infrastructure and deepens its commitment to frictionless international payments.

The appointments mark a pivotal chapter in Leatherback’s journey as the company doubles down on simplifying cross-border transactions and scaling its global reach. The new leadership team, composed of seasoned industry professionals, will drive strategic innovation, streamline operations, and foster long-term growth across existing and emerging markets.

Founding Vision: A Unified Global Currency Ecosystem

Since its inception in 2019, Leatherback has pursued an ambitious goal: to unify all 180 global currencies into a seamless digital payments ecosystem. Through an expansive suite of user-centric products, the platform facilitates effortless transactions across borders, currencies, and jurisdictions.

As Leatherback expands its global footprint and prepares to launch new features, the addition of high-caliber leadership talent underscores the company’s resolve to unlock new opportunities, deepen stakeholder confidence, and fuel financial inclusion in underserved markets.

Ochebhoya Ekpete Appointed Managing Director of Leatherback UK

At the helm of this leadership reshuffle is Ochebhoya Ekpete, who has been named Managing Director of Leatherback UK, pending regulatory approval. He assumes the role from the outgoing interim CEO and brings over 15 years of cross-industry experience in financial leadership, corporate transformation, and strategic governance.

Ekpete’s résumé includes leadership positions at fintech heavyweights such as Cellulant, Interswitch, and Stripe, where he steered global financial strategy, pricing optimization, and treasury operations. At Leatherback, Ekpete will be responsible for enhancing financial controls, scaling operational efficiency, and steering the company’s long-term strategic goals.

In a statement, Ekpete shared his enthusiasm:

“Leatherback is playing a crucial role in eliminating the hurdles associated with global cross-border transactions. We’re not only building secure, reliable financial pathways but also creating access to global opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. I’m excited to lead this incredible team into a new era of impact and innovation.”

Usman Amusat Joins as Vice President, Product and Operations

Usman Amusat has taken up the role of Vice President of Product and Operations at Leatherback. A product visionary and execution expert, Amusat has a strong track record of designing intuitive fintech solutions and scaling digital platforms. He previously held key roles at Flutterwave, Smile Identity, and most recently Dot, where he served as Chief Product Officer.

Amusat is known for his customer-focused design philosophy and pragmatic leadership. At Leatherback, he will guide product innovation, oversee operational frameworks, and lead market expansion strategies. His role is pivotal to delivering on the company’s mission to streamline payments and create an inclusive digital economy for users worldwide.

Mayowa Afe-Ogundele Named Chief Technology Officer

Taking the reins of the technology division is Mayowa Afe-Ogundele, who joins Leatherback as Chief Technology Officer. A specialist in secure and scalable financial systems, Afe-Ogundele brings deep expertise in digital payments, software architecture, and blockchain innovations.

At Leatherback, he will chart the course for technological advancements, oversee infrastructure development, and ensure platform resilience across regions. Speaking during an executive briefing, Afe-Ogundele said:

“This is a pivotal moment for Leatherback, and I am thrilled to help build the next generation of cross-border payment infrastructure. Our goal is to ensure that financial transactions—no matter the geography—are fast, secure, and compliant.”

Oreoluwa Ajayi Joins as Head of Sales, Digital Ecosystems

The final addition to Leatherback’s new leadership team is Oreoluwa Ajayi, who takes on the role of Head of Sales for Digital Ecosystems. With over 13 years of experience in the fintech and digital transformation space, she brings a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer behavior, and business growth strategy.

Ajayi’s previous stints at Interswitch, Migo, and Prembly equipped her with the expertise to drive revenue growth, penetrate new markets, and lead dynamic sales teams. At Leatherback, she will lead go-to-market strategies, forge client relationships, and expand the company’s reach across key sectors.

Addressing Global Cross-Border Payment Challenges

Leatherback’s latest executive hires come at a time when the global payments industry faces persistent challenges around interoperability, high transaction costs, and compliance limitations. Despite the emergence of various digital solutions, the landscape for cross-border payments remains fragmented and expensive, particularly in developing markets.

Leatherback’s platform tackles these challenges by offering:

• Multi-currency wallets

• Real-time transaction capabilities

• End-to-end regulatory compliance infrastructure

By delivering affordable, secure, and efficient financial services, Leatherback is bridging financial gaps between Africa and the rest of the world.

A Renewed Commitment to Innovation and Global Growth

As Leatherback prepares to scale operations across Africa, North America, Europe, and other emerging markets, its new leadership team positions the company to execute its vision with renewed focus. With a strong foundation in place, Leatherback aims to enhance its product offerings, reinforce stakeholder relationships, and contribute to financial empowerment through digital inclusion.

The appointment of these four executives sends a strong message to the global fintech industry: Leatherback is not just a payment solution—it’s a movement aimed at reshaping the future of international finance for underserved populations and growth-stage businesses alike.

About Leatherback

Founded in 2019, Leatherback is a cross-border payments platform licensed in the UK. The company enables seamless financial transactions across multiple currencies, serving customers in over 15 countries. Its mission is to simplify remittances, support global commerce, and unlock financial opportunities for individuals and businesses throughout Africa and the diaspora.

With a relentless focus on innovation, inclusion, and operational excellence, Leatherback continues to redefine what’s possible in global financial access.