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VENO NEWS: Access Holdings Appoints Innocent Ike Group CEO
Date: 29-08-25

Access Holdings Plc has appointed Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.

In a statement issued and signed by Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Wednesday, the company said Mr. Ike will succeed Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who has led the group in an acting capacity for the past 18 months. Agbede, who stepped in after the passing of former CEO Herbert Wigwe, will return to her position as Executive Director, Business Support, due to regulatory stipulations on years of experience required for a financial holding company’s chief executive.

Access Holdings commended Agbede for her stewardship, highlighting her role in maintaining stability during a turbulent period, overseeing the company’s N351 billion rights issue, and ensuring smooth annual general meetings.

“Her outstanding contributions over the past 18 months have been invaluable, and we appreciate her dedication in navigating the company through challenges and opportunities,” Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said in the statement.

Mr. Ike, a seasoned banker with more than 30 years in the financial services industry, previously served as Managing Director of Polaris Bank between 2020 and 2022, where he launched the award-winning digital banking platform VULTe. He also spent a decade at Access Bank, rising to General Manager with responsibilities across corporate, commercial, and public sector portfolios.

Speaking on his appointment, 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 said it remains committed to its vision of becoming the “World’s Most Respected African Financial Services Group” and expressed confidence in Ike’s ability to drive the next phase of growth.

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