A New Era of Leadership at Access Holdings Plc: Innocent Ike Takes the Helm
Access Holdings Plc has embarked on a new chapter in its corporate journey with the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval, Mr. Ike’s appointment marks a significant transition for the leading financial institution. This leadership change follows the resignation of Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna from the company’s board, a move prompted by new corporate governance regulations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Mr. Ike’s arrival concludes the interim leadership of Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who skillfully navigated the company through a period of transition following the unfortunate passing of former Group CEO, Herbert Wigwe, in 2024. Ms. Agbede will resume her role as Executive Director, Business Support.
Mr. Ike’s appointment heralds a new phase for Access Holdings, according to Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. The chairman expressed enthusiasm for Mr. Ike’s leadership, while also acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Ms. Agbede during her 18-month tenure as acting CEO. Ms. Agbede successfully steered the company through a challenging period, ensuring stability and achieving significant milestones. These accomplishments include maintaining workforce stability, successfully executing a N351 billion rights issue, and seamlessly managing two annual general meetings. The chairman commended Ms. Agbede for laying a strong foundation for future growth, despite the regulatory changes necessitating the leadership transition.
Assuming the mantle of leadership, Mr. Innocent Ike expressed both honor and excitement at the opportunity to lead Access Holdings. Recognizing the legacy of his predecessors, Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, Mr. Ike expressed his commitment to building on their achievements and driving the company’s vision forward. He emphasized his focus on delivering exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders alike, signifying a commitment to continuity and growth. Mr. Ike’s appointment brings to Access Holdings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the financial services industry.
Mr. Ike’s impressive credentials include a distinguished academic background, having graduated as the Best Graduating Student in Accounting from the University of Lagos in 1988. He further holds Fellowships from both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and is also a certified IFRS expert. His extensive career spans over three decades in banking and financial services, including a significant tenure at Access Bank where he rose to the position of General Manager. His leadership experience culminated in his role as Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022, where he spearheaded the launch of VULTe, the bank’s award-winning digital platform. This background positions him uniquely to lead Access Holdings into its next phase of growth.
The transition of leadership at Access Holdings represents a seamless blend of continuity and fresh perspective. While Ms. Agbede’s steady hand guided the company through a transitional period, Mr. Ike arrives with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation. His leadership promises to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors, while also injecting new energy and strategic direction into the company. This combination of stability and innovation bodes well for Access Holdings’ future, positioning it for continued success in the competitive financial services landscape.
The appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Holdings Plc marks a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory. With a rich background in finance and a proven track record of leadership, Mr. Ike is poised to guide Access Holdings through its next chapter of growth and innovation. His commitment to building on the legacy of his predecessors, combined with his own vision for the future, creates a compelling narrative for the company’s continued success. The seamless transition of leadership, following Ms. Agbede’s successful interim tenure, underscores the depth of talent and the robust governance structure within Access Holdings. This careful planning and execution of the leadership transition reinforces the company’s commitment to stability, growth, and delivering value to its stakeholders.
