The Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc. has appointed the pioneer Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc., Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (CFR) as its Non-Executive Chairman.
Aig-Imoukhuede replaces Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo, who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The holdco in a statement by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 stated that Aig-Imoukhuede’s return is “in response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe and following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdco Board unanimously decided to invite Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance.”
The company added that “this visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the Group into a new era of success.”
The statement read: “With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader, having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group Chief Executive Officer between 2002 and 2013 ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR who later succeeded him.
“Under Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community. The bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks with presence in nine other African countries and the United Kingdom. Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from 10,000 to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognized name. His strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the Bank’s success.”
Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank and danger of single story
Following his retirement as the Bank’s CEO in December 2013, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede cofounded the Tengen Family Office Limited which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.
Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.
The holdco said the decision to bring back Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to “our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation, he jointly established with Dr. Wigwe.
“With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Dr. Wigwe’s leadership.”
In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.
His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights.
Speaking about his return, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the past Chairman, Access Holdings expressed his excitement, stating: “Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as Chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings. All our board members are excited about our future.”
Speaking on his appointment, Aig-Imoukhuede said: “I am thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem. I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders. I am determined that our shared vision which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realized.”
The Company Secretary said the entire Access Group family, including employees, customers, and stakeholders, eagerly anticipates Aig-Imoukhuede’s return and looks forward to a promising future under his leadership.
“With his expertise, passion, and commitment, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of impact and sustainable success,” he said.
Access Holdings Plc operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 18 countries and over 60 million customers.
The company serves its various markets through four subsidiaries across the banking, payment, pension administration and insurance sectors through four operating companies, viz: Access Bank Plc, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, Access Pensions Limited and Access insurance Brokers Limited.
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