Access Holdings Appoints Banking Veteran Innocent Ike as New Group CEO
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Access Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, has announced the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as its new substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, which has received all necessary regulatory approvals, is set to take effect from Friday, August 29, 2025.
The announcement was made in a formal statement to the market on Wednesday, signed by the Company Secretary, Mr. Sunday Ekwochi. Ike will succeed Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who has commendably led the institution in an acting capacity for the past 18 months following the tragic passing of the former Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in early 2024.
A New Chapter for the Financial Giant
The appointment of Mr. Ike signals a new strategic phase for the holding company. In his statement, the Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, expressed confidence in the new leadership while paying tribute to the outgoing acting GMD.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Innocent Ike as we move forward,” said Aig-Imoukhuede. “I am honoured to take on the role… and excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings. I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and driving our vision forward.”
This leadership transition follows the recent resignation of Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna from the company’s board, a move made in compliance with new corporate governance rules issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which have prompted strategic adjustments at the board level.
Acknowledging a Steady Hand: Bolaji Agbede’s Tenure
The board expressed profound gratitude for Ms. Bolaji Agbede’s leadership during a critical transition period for the company. After stepping into the acting role, she provided crucial stability and steered the group to achieve significant milestones. She will now return to her previous position as Executive Director, Business Support.
Key achievements under Ms. Agbede’s 18-month tenure include:
Maintaining workforce stability and boosting morale during a challenging period.
The successful execution of a landmark ₦351 billion rights issue.
The seamless and successful hosting of two Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Ms. Bolaji Agbede,” the Chairman added. “Her outstanding contributions over the past 18 months have been invaluable, and we appreciate her dedication in navigating the Company through challenges and opportunities.”
Meet the New GMD: A Profile of Innocent Ike
Mr. Innocent Ike is a highly respected figure in the Nigerian banking industry, bringing over three decades of extensive experience in banking and financial services. His impressive track record and deep expertise are expected to drive the next phase of growth for Access Holdings.
Ike’s Professional Profile:
Experience: Over 30 years in the financial services sector.
Previous Role: Served as Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022, where he successfully championed the creation of VULTe, the bank’s award-winning digital banking platform.
Access Bank History: Previously spent a decade at Access Bank, rising to the level of General Manager.
Education: A graduate of the University of Lagos, where he was the Best Graduating Student in Accounting in 1988.
Certifications: He is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and is also a certified IFRS expert.
In his acceptance remarks, Ike stated, “I am excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings… ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”
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