Access Bank appoints Bolaji Agbede as Acting CEO

Bolaji Agbede has been appointed as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, following the tragic loss of Herbert Wigwe, the late Group CEO, in a helicopter crash.

Bolaji Agbede stepping into the role of Acting GCEO demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuity and stability during this challenging period. It’s a testament to Agbede’s experience and capabilities within the organization that he has been entrusted with such a crucial responsibility.

The loss of Herbert Wigwe, alongside his family and other notable individuals, is undoubtedly a tragedy that has deeply impacted many.

Access Holdings Plc, as well as the broader business community, will likely mourn their loss while also navigating the transition and ensuring that the company continues to operate smoothly and effectively under Agbede’s leadership.

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024,” the company said in a statement Monday.

Ms Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, with nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment.

Bolaji Agbede holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002, the statement said, adding that she is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede is in alignment with our robust succession planning practices,” said Abubakar Jimoh, chairman of the company.

“We are strongly convinced that Ms Agbede, being the company’s most senior executive, with exceptionally rich, professional and leadership experience and understanding of the Access culture, would provide the much-needed leadership to steer the company towards the attainment of its strategic vision of building a globally connected community and ecosystem, inspired by AAfricafor the world.”