Bolaji Agbede Appointed Acting CEO of Access Bank Following Herbert Wigwe’s Tragic Demise

In a swift response to the tragic loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Corporation, Bolaji Agbede has been appointed as the new Acting Group CEO of the company, which oversees Access Bank. This announcement, made just two days after the untimely death of Dr. Wigwe, marks a significant transition in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s prominent financial institutions.

Agbede’s appointment, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was announced by the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc in a statement dated February 12, 2024. With this appointment, Agbede joins the league of women banking CEOs in Nigeria, reflecting the growing diversity in leadership roles within the industry.

Having joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, Agbede brings nearly three decades of professional experience in banking and business consultancy services to her new role. Her tenure at the bank has seen her serve in various capacities, including Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022. In 2022, she assumed the role of founding Executive Director, Business Support, a position she held until her recent appointment as Acting GCEO.

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, earned in 2002. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

The appointment of Agbede comes at a critical juncture for Access Bank, as the institution navigates through the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Dr. Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. As Agbede assumes her new responsibilities, she is poised to lead Access Bank through this challenging period, upholding the institution’s commitment to excellence and service to its customers and stakeholders.

This appointment underscores Access Bank’s dedication to continuity and stability in its leadership, ensuring seamless operations and a steadfast focus on its strategic objectives.

Written by sdbLive