Access Holdings has announced the appointment of Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The company’s secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, following regulatory approval.
Ike’s appointment comes over a year after the death of Herbert Wigwe, who passed away in a plane crash in California, United States, on February 9, 2024. Wigwe was the former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank. Prior to Ike’s appointment, Ms. Bolaji Agbede had been overseeing the affairs of the company in an acting capacity.
The company expressed gratitude to Ms. Agbede for her service, with Ekwochi stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Innocent Ike as we move forward. At the same time, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Ms. Bolaji Agbede.” The appointment of Ike as the substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer is expected to bring stability to the company’s leadership.
The announcement of Ike’s appointment coincides with the resignation of Roosevolt Ogbonna as the company’s Non-Executive Director. Access Holdings owns Access Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria. The company has been navigating a period of transition since the death of Wigwe, who played a key role in shaping the company’s strategy and direction.
Ike’s appointment is seen as a significant development for Access Holdings, as the company seeks to build on its existing strengths and explore new opportunities for growth. The company’s leadership transition is being closely watched by stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators. As Access Holdings moves forward under new leadership, the company is expected to continue playing a major role in Nigeria’s financial sector.
The death of Herbert Wigwe was a significant loss for Access Holdings, and his successor, Innocent Ike, will be expected to build on the foundations laid by Wigwe. With his appointment, Ike becomes the substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, overseeing the company’s operations and strategy. The company’s future plans and direction will be shaped by Ike’s leadership, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.