Access Holdings Announces Interim Replacement For Wigwe

       Bolaji Agbede

Access Holdings has announced the appointment of Executive Director, Bolaji Olaitan Agbede as the interim replacement for its Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in California, U.S.

The announcement of Agbede as the interim replacement comes after the passing of Wigwe was confirmed by Access Holdings.

According to a statement issued by the company’s Board of Directors on February 12, 2024, it was mentioned that the appointment would be finalized based on the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“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 Access Holdings statement released on Monday reads in part.

Agbede has over 27 years’ experience in Human Resources management, customer relationship management and banking operations.       

She has a proven record of successful people integration during mergers and acquisitions, culture transformation and execution of corporate strategies.

She commenced her professional career in Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities including Relationship Manager and Vault Custodian. 

She rose from the grade of Executive Trainee in 1992 to Manager in 2001. Agbede subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG limited in 2003 a business consulting outfit.

She joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. 

She has occupied the role of Head, HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010 wherein she oversees the human capital development of the Group.

Agbede holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Cranfield University in 2002.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

She has attended several renowned leadership and professional development programs including the High-Performance Leadership Programme organised by the IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Programme organised by the London Business School.