TymeBank has appointed Cheslyn Jacobs as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026.
Jacobs succeeds Karl Westvig, who has been with the bank’s leadership since 2023 and will continue to serve in an advisory capacity to support the bank’s ongoing growth.
“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.”
Jacobs, a TymeBank founding team member, joined Tyme in 2012 as Sales and Distribution Manager, later becoming National Operations Manager at Tyme Infield. He was appointed Head of Sales and Services in 2019, the year TymeBank launched, and was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer in 2022, accountable for driving revenue generation and business growth.
He has a BCom in Industrial Psychology from the University of the Western Cape and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). He previously worked at Standard Bank and Deloitte.
Since its launch in 2019, TymeBank has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading digital banks — growing its customer base to more than 11 million and pioneering accessible, technology-driven financial solutions.
The bank said Jacobs’ appointment reflects its strong internal leadership bench and commitment to continuity as it expands its footprint in the South African banking sector and beyond, while staying true to its mission of reshaping banking for all.
Outgoing CEO Karl Westvig was instrumental in strengthening the bank’s commercial offering and small business focus, as well as bolstering its customer base and building a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
“It’s been a privilege to lead TymeBank through a period of solid growth and transformation,” Westvig stated. “The business is now entering an exciting new phase, and I look forward to continuing to support the team as TymeBank expands its brand presence and cements key strategic partnerships.”