Access Holdings Plc has announced the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as its Non-Executive Chairman, replacing Mr. Abubakar Jimoh in a move signaling a significant shift in leadership.
Jimoh, who had functioned in an acting capacity since the demise of former Chairman Bababode Osunkoya last November, will continue to serve on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Aig-Imoukhuede, a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s banking and finance sector, brings with him a wealth of expertise and leadership acumen.
His return comes in the wake of the untimely passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings.
“Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdco Board unanimously decided to invite Aig- Imoukhuede to lead the organization,” Access Holdings said in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange on Wednesday.
During his tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank from 2002 to 2013, Imoukhuede, alongside his late partner and deputy, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, played a pivotal role in shaping Access Bank’s trajectory.
Under their stewardship, Access Bank transformed into one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks, expanded its footprint across 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom, and grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million.
The bank’s asset base surged to USD $12 billion, establishing itself as a globally recognized financial institution.
Since retiring as CEO in 2013, Aig-Imoukhuede has been actively involved in various ventures, including co-founding the Tengen Family Office Limited, which oversees a diverse portfolio of investments spanning banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.
Additionally, through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he has been dedicated to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and improving access to quality healthcare.
Aig-Imoukhuede’s return to Access Holdings as Non-Executive Chairman underscores the Board’s commitment to building upon the foundation laid by him and the late Wigwe.
In his new role, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board to provide strategic guidance to the executive management team, leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge.
Expressing his excitement about Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, past Chairman of Access Holdings, said, “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.”
Aig-Imoukhuede said in his remarks, “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 Access Group community, including employees, customers, and stakeholders, eagerly anticipates Aig-Imoukhuede’s return, envisioning a promising future under his leadership.
With his expertise and unwavering commitment, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of impact and sustainable success.
Aig-Imoukhuede has previously chaired the boards of FMDQ OTC Exchange and ENTERPRISENGR, an advocacy group focused on the expansion and excellence of Nigeria’s financial and professional services.
He is a recipient of the Nigerian honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).