Access Holdings Plc welcomes Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Back as Non-Executive Chairman
In the wake of the unexpected passing of Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc (the Holdco) has made a pivotal decision to reintroduce Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as its Non-Executive Chairman.
The announcement, conveyed through a press release signed by Mr. Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary, was titled “Access Holdings Plc Announces the Return of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (Pioneer Access Bank Group Managing Director/CEO as Holdco Chairman After 10 Years).”
Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, will take over from Abubakar Jimoh, the former Chairman of the HoldCo, who will continue to serve on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The statement emphasised Aig-Imoukhuede’s remarkable track record, extensive expertise, and leadership acumen, underscoring his capacity to steer the Group towards a new era of prosperity.
In light of Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s passing, the Holdco Board, after thorough consultations with key stakeholders, unanimously opted to entrust Aig-Imoukhuede with the governance reins, acknowledging his instrumental role in shaping Access Bank’s success during his tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2013.
During his leadership, Access Bank experienced exponential growth, evolving from a minor player to one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks, with a footprint in nine other African countries and the United Kingdom.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s strategic foresight, innovative strategies, and profound market insights were pivotal in achieving numerous milestones and global recognition for the bank.
Following his retirement from Access Bank in December 2013, Aig-Imoukhuede co-founded the Tengen Family Office Limited, overseeing diverse investments spanning banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy sectors.
Additionally, through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he has been dedicated to grooming Nigeria’s future government leaders and enhancing public sector efficiency and healthcare accessibility.
The decision to reinstall Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman underscores the Board’s commitment to the core values established during his tenure with Dr. Wigwe.
His return aims to harness his wealth of experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessors.
In his new capacity, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board to shape strategy and offer guidance to the executive management team, signaling a renewed commitment to driving the Group towards unprecedented achievements.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Abubakar Jimoh, the outgoing Chairman, hailed Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment as a landmark development, underscoring the collective excitement among board members about the future.
In response, Aig-Imoukhuede expressed his eagerness to contribute to the Access Group’s growth trajectory, expressing confidence in the collective efforts of the board, executives, and banking professionals to deliver exceptional value to stakeholders and realise the shared vision championed by Dr. Wigwe.
The entire Access Group community eagerly awaits Aig-Imoukhuede’s return, anticipating a future marked by sustained impact and success under his guidance.
With his unwavering dedication and vision, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of sustainable growth and prosperity.
The statement partly quoted: “In response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR and following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdco Board unanimously decided to invite Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance.
“With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader, having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group Chief Executive Officer between 2002 and 2013 ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR who later succeeded him.
“Under Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community. The Bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks with presence in 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom.
“Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of USD $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognized name. His strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the Bank’s success.
“Following his retirement as the Bank’s CEO in December 2013, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede cofounded the Tengen Family Office Limited which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.”
“The decision to bring back Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation he jointly established with Dr. Wigwe. With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Dr. Wigwe’s leadership.
“In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, IAig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team. His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights.”
