Access Holdings, has welcomed back Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as its chairman, a pivotal role aimed at steering the company towards future growth. Aig-Imoukhuede, renowned for his transformative leadership alongside Herbert Wigwe, played a crucial role in evolving Access Bank from a modest institution into Nigeria’s most valuable banking entity by market capitalization. This appointment, announced on March 14, 2024, marks a significant return for Aig-Imoukhuede to the forefront of Nigeria’s financial sector, where his expertise is anticipated to bring about innovative developments and further successes for Access Holdings.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s journey with Access Bank began in 2002 when he, along with Herbert Wigwe, acquired the bank. Their leadership catalyzed a period of unprecedented growth, not just in size but in market value, positioning the bank as a leader in Nigeria’s banking sector. Under their stewardship until 2013, Access Bank witnessed transformative changes that included strategic acquisitions and expansion, culminating in Aig-Imoukhuede’s presidency at the Nigerian Exchange from 2014 to 2017.
The decision to appoint Aig-Imoukhuede as chairman was made after thorough consultations with key stakeholders, highlighting the trust and confidence in his leadership qualities and vision for the company. His return is seen as a strategic move to leverage his vast experience and innovative leadership to guide Access Holdings through its next phase of growth and development. This transition follows the tragic loss of Herbert Wigwe, who left a lasting impact on the institution and its people. Aig-Imoukhuede steps into the role previously held by Abubakar Jimoh, who served in an acting capacity following the passing of the former Chairman, Bababode Osunkoya, in November.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Aig-Imoukhuede stated, “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.” This statement reflects his readiness to contribute actively to the company’s success and his commitment to achieving excellence in the banking and financial sector.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s academic background, with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Benin in 1986, laid the foundation for his illustrious career. His professional journey began in the banking sector at Continental Merchant Bank and later at Guaranty Trust Bank, where he rose to become an executive director at the young age of 36. His role in the acquisition of the defunct Intercontinental Bank in 2012 was a landmark deal that significantly expanded Access Bank’s footprint, adding 309 branches to its network.
Beyond his banking achievements, Aig-Imoukhuede has chaired the boards of the FMDQ OTC Exchange and ENTERPRISENGR, an advocacy group aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s financial and professional services sector. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with the prestigious Nigerian honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s reappointment as chairman of Access Holdings is more than a homecoming; it signifies a strategic move towards harnessing his proven leadership and vision to navigate the company through the challenges and opportunities of the modern financial landscape. His track record of transformational leadership, commitment to excellence, and depth of experience in the banking sector are invaluable assets that Access Holdings aims to leverage to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria’s banking sector is experiencing rapid evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership is expected to propel Access Holdings to new heights, building on its legacy of innovation and excellence. His appointment heralds a new chapter for Access Holdings, one that stakeholders and observers alike are watching with keen interest, anticipating the impact of his visionary leadership on the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.
Source: PremiumTimesNigeria
