Access Holdings Plc has announced the resignation of Roosevelt Ogbonna, Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, from its Board as a Non-Executive Director. This decision was made in compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for Financial Holding Companies, 2023, which limits the number of directors to nine for financial holding companies. Ogbonna will continue to serve as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, the company’s flagship subsidiary.
The board commended Ogbonna for his commitment and contributions during his three and a half years of service, noting that his insights helped shape strategic decisions at the group level. The company also announced the appointment of Innocent Ike as the substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.
Ike will succeed Bolaji Agbede, who has served as the company’s Acting Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer for the past 18 months. Agbede will revert to her substantive role as the company’s Executive Director, Business Support, due to regulatory stipulations on the required years of experience for a Financial Holding Company’s Managing Director.
During Agbede’s tenure, Access Holdings achieved significant milestones, including ensuring workforce stability and seamless transition following the demise of the former Group Chief Executive Officer. The company also successfully executed its N351 Billion Rights Issue and hosted two Annual General Meetings.
Ike brings over three decades of experience in banking and financial services, having spent ten years at Access Bank and serving as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022. He launched VULTe, Polaris Bank’s digital banking platform, and earned several industry awards.
The appointment of Ike as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer is expected to drive the company’s vision forward, ensuring the delivery of exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders. With his experience and expertise, Ike is well-positioned to lead Access Holdings and build on the strong legacy established by his predecessors.
