Access Holdings Plc swiftly responds to the unexpected passing of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, by appointing Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
The Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc announced this decision on February 12, 2024, following an earlier statement dated February 11, 2024.
Ms. Agbede, currently the most senior founding Executive Director in charge of Business Support within the company, will lead Access Holdings Plc’s affairs subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This transition marks a significant moment in the company’s history as it navigates the challenges of a sudden leadership change.
With almost three decades of experience in banking and business consultancy services, Ms. Agbede brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to her new role. Her career journey began in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she rose to managerial positions by 2001. She later served as the Chief Executive Officer at JKG Limited, a business consulting firm, in 2003.
Ms. Agbede joined Access Bank Plc in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager, managing the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. Her exceptional leadership qualities led her to become the Bank’s Head of Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022.
As Access Holdings Plc’s founding Executive Director of Business Support, Ms. Agbede played a crucial role in integrating business units and transforming the company’s culture.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and a Master of Business Administration from Cranfield University UK in 2002. Ms. Agbede is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
Ms. Agbede has participated in several renowned 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.
While the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe is a profound loss for Access Holdings Plc, Ms. Agbede’s appointment represents a strategic step towards ensuring stability and continuity in the company’s leadership. Her vast experience and leadership style are expected to guide Access Holdings Plc through this transition period.
