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 Company’s Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday.
Ike succeeds Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who has steered the company in an acting capacity for the past 18 months.
Agbede will return to her substantive role as Executive Director, Business Support, having led Access Holdings through a critical transition period, ensuring workforce stability, overseeing the successful execution of the company’s N351 billion rights issue, and hosting two seamless Annual General Meetings.
Chairman of Access Holdings, 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.”
The statement described the new Group CEO, Ike, as a seasoned banker with over three decades of experience in the financial services industry.
Ike was the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022, where he spearheaded the launch of its award-winning digital platform, VULTe.
He is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, and a Certified IFRS expert.
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 reaffirmed its commitment to becoming the world’s most respected African financial services group, expressing confidence that with Ike’s leadership, the company is well-positioned for sustained success and growth.
