In a surprising turn of events, Access Holdings PLC, a leading financial conglomerate, has announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer. The decision follows the unfortunate passing of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.
Ms. Agbede, previously the Company’s most senior founding Executive Director in charge of Business Support, brings an impressive three decades of professional experience to her new role, spanning both banking and business consultancy services. Her journey in the financial sector began in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she steadily climbed the ranks within the Commercial Banking and Operations functions, ultimately reaching the position of Manager in 2001. Later, she assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at JKG Limited, a business consulting firm, in 2003.
Joining Access Bank PLC in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager, Ms. Agbede played a pivotal role in managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. Notably, she served as the Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022, demonstrating her versatility and leadership skills. Her dedication and contributions were recognized in 2022 when she was appointed the Company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support.
Ms. Agbede’s educational background further underscores her qualifications for the new position. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Canfield University in the UK (2002). Additionally, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management in the UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
With a track record of successful people integration in business combinations and culture transformation, Ms. Agbede has attended various leadership and professional development programs, including the High-Performance Leadership Programme organized by the IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Programme organized by the London Business School.
The appointment is pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, emphasizing the regulatory diligence being observed by Access Holdings PLC in this significant transition.
In response to the announcement, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, expressed confidence in Ms. Agbede’s ability to lead the company. He stated, “The appointment of Ms. Agbede is in alignment with our robust succession planning practices. We are strongly convinced that Ms. Agbede, being the Company’s most Senior Executive with exceptionally rich, professional and leadership experience and understanding of the Access culture, would provide the much-needed leadership to steer the Company towards the attainment of its strategic vision of building a globally connected community and ecosystem, inspired by Africa for the world.”
As the financial industry watches this development closely, Ms. Bolaji Agbede prepares to assume her new role and guide Access Holdings PLC into a future shaped by her vision and leadership. The company anticipates a seamless transition, thanks to Ms. Agbede’s deep understanding of the organization’s culture and values. Access Holdings PLC looks forward to a new era under the guidance of its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
