Nigeria: Access Holdings Plc appoints Acting Group CEO following tragic demise of Herbert Wigwe
Access Holdings Plc, in a solemn announcement on Monday, revealed the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, in the wake of the tragic demise of its former Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.
The news comes as the company and the financial industry mourn the loss of Dr. Wigwe, who perished in a fatal helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, on Friday.
The decision, communicated in a statement by the company’s Board of Directors, dated February 12, 2024, marks a significant transition for Access Holdings Plc.
The company said the appointment of Ms. Agbede is pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscoring the regulatory protocols governing such pivotal changes within the banking sector.
“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 appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
Ms. Bolaji Agbede’s professional experience, as briefly captured in the PUNCH, shows that she brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having dedicated nearly three decades to the banking and business consultancy sectors.
Her journey with Access Bank commenced in 2003, where she assumed the role of Assistant General, laying the foundation for a distinguished career trajectory.
Over the years, she demonstrated her leadership prowess in various capacities, notably as the Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Ms. Agbede was appointed the founding Executive Director, Business Support, in 2022, a position she held until her recent elevation to Acting Group CEO.
Her academic background is equally impressive, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos, complemented by a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.
Furthermore, Ms. Agbede is a respected member of professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, underscoring her commitment to excellence and industry best practices.
As Access Holdings Plc navigates this period of transition and mourning, the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede signals a continuity of leadership and a commitment to upholding the company’s values and strategic vision.
The company, along with stakeholders, extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the departed, while reaffirming its dedication to maintaining operational stability and driving sustainable growth under Ms. Agbede’s stewardship.
