Access Holdings Appoints Bolaji Agbede as Acting CEO Following Tragic Loss of Herbert Wigwe
Access Holdings Plc undergoes a significant leadership transition following the untimely demise of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in a tragic helicopter crash. The company announces the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment in its corporate journey.
In a statement released on Monday, February 12, 2024, Access Holdings’ Board of Directors unveils Agbede as the Acting CEO, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The appointment comes amidst profound grief and shock following the loss of Wigwe, his wife, son, and a prominent former chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
The Board expresses confidence in Agbede’s capabilities and leadership acumen, highlighting her extensive experience and contributions to Access Bank since joining in 2003. Agbede’s professional journey within the organization spans various roles, reflecting her deep understanding of banking and business consultancy services.
Notably, Agbede served as Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022 before assuming the role of the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support, in 2022. Her exemplary track record and strategic vision position her as a natural choice to steer Access Holdings through this period of transition.
Agbede’s academic credentials further underscore her qualifications for the role, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University, UK, in 2002. Her blend of academic excellence and practical experience equips her to lead Access Holdings with confidence and competence.
As Agbede assumes her new role, she inherits a legacy of innovation and resilience cultivated by her predecessor, Herbert Wigwe. The Board expresses gratitude for Wigwe’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Access Holdings’ success, pledging to honor his memory through continued excellence and strategic growth.
In the wake of this leadership transition, Access Holdings reaffirms its commitment to its stakeholders and the broader community, vowing to uphold its values of integrity, transparency, and service excellence. The company remains dedicated to delivering value-driven solutions and driving positive impact across its diverse portfolio of operations.
As the financial industry mourns the loss of Herbert Wigwe and navigates this period of transition, Access Holdings looks towards the future with optimism under the guidance of Bolaji Agbede. Her appointment symbolizes a new chapter for the organization, marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to its mission.
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