Access Bank Sacks Chairman, Appoints Co-Founder, Imokhuede

Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, has appointed Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede as the chairman of its board.

Immokhuede, a former Managing Director, and co-founder of the bank was appointed to replace Abubakar Jimoh who was appointed into the position less than three months ago, according to a release on Wednesday by the company secretary Sunday Ekwochi.

The new board chairman will serve in the new position as a non-executive, the statement further said.

The appointment comes barely two months after the death of a former Group Managing Director of the Holding firm, Dr Herbert Wigwe.

Recall that Wigwe died in far-away California, United States on February 10, in an ill-fated helicopter crash, which also killed his wife and son.

The late GMD had since been buried in Rivers state, in an elaborate ceremony attended by prominent Nigerians.

According to a statement from the Holdco, the new chairman is coming into the position with a vast experience, expertise that span decades in the banking and financial sectors of the economy.

The holdco said, “Access Holdings Pic (the Holdco’), is pleased to announce the return of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR as its Non-Executive Chairman. Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR replaces Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

“This visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, a wealth of expertise, and leadership to guide the Group into a new era of success,” Access Holdings said.

“The decision to bring back Mr. 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,” the statement read.

He replaces the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, the company said.

Meanwhile, Aig-Imokhuede has commented on his appointment, stating that he would drive the company’s vision, working alongside other executives and directors.

“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,” he said.

“I am determined that our shared vision which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realized,” he stated.

He exited the bank in 2013 after serving for 10 years as its chief executive officer.