ACCESS HOLDINGS APPOINTS INNOCENT IKE AS GROUP CEO, HONOURS BOLAJI AGBEDE’S LEADERSHIP AS ACTING HEAD
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.
The development was announced in a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Sunday Ekwochi.
According to the statement, Mr. Ike succeeds Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who has served as Acting Group CEO for the past 18 months.
Due to regulatory stipulations on years of experience required for the role, Ms. Agbede will return to her substantive position as Executive Director, Business Support.
During her tenure, Ms. Agbede steered the company through a critical transition period following the demise of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe.
She oversaw key milestones including the successful execution of the firm’s ₦351 billion Rights Issue, the smooth hosting of two Annual General Meetings, and ensuring workforce stability.
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Company Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, praised her leadership, saying:“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Innocent Ike as we move forward. At the same time, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Ms. Bolaji Agbede.
“Her outstanding contributions over the past 18 months have been invaluable, and we appreciate her dedication in navigating the Company through challenges and opportunities. While regulatory requirements necessitate this change, we are grateful for the strong foundation that has been laid.”
Mr. Ike, a graduate of the University of Lagos and Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), brings over three decades of experience in banking and financial services.
He spent 10 years at Access Bank, rising to General Manager, before serving as Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022. At Polaris, he launched VULTe, the bank’s digital banking platform, which won multiple industry awards.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Ike said:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer 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, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”
Access Holdings reaffirmed its commitment to becoming the world’s most respected African financial services group, noting that with Mr. Ike’s appointment, it is well-positioned for sustained success and growth.
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