Innocent Ike Appointed as Access Holdings’ Group CEO

Access Holdings Plc has confirmed the appointment of Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025.

For Ike, the role is both a homecoming and a new challenge. With more than three decades in the banking sector, he is well acquainted with Access, having previously spent ten years at Access Bank where he rose to general manager, handling corporate, commercial, and public sector businesses. After leading operations at other institutions, most notably as Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, he now returns to guide Access Holdings toward its ambition of becoming the most respected African financial services group on the global stage.

Ike’s academic and professional record reflects a deep commitment to excellence. A 1988 graduate of the University of Lagos, he finished as the Best Graduating Student in Accounting. He is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and is also certified in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

At Polaris Bank, his tenure (2020–2022) was marked by innovation. He spearheaded the launch of VULTe, a digital banking platform that won consecutive awards, including BusinessDay’s BAFI Digital Bank of the Year and the Nigerian Fintech Digital Bank of the Year. These recognitions cemented his reputation as a forward-looking leader who understands the evolving demands of modern finance.

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Leadership Transition at Access

Ike takes over from Bolaji Agbede, who has served as Acting Group CEO for the past 18 months. Agbede stepped in during a turbulent period following the sudden death of Herbert Wigwe, Access Holdings’ visionary leader.

During her time in office, Agbede oversaw major milestones such as the successful completion of a ₦351 billion rights issue, the smooth conduct of two Annual General Meetings, and the preservation of workforce stability. However, regulatory requirements regarding years of experience for the Group CEO role mean she now resumes her substantive position as Executive Director, Business Support.

“Her outstanding contributions during a difficult transition have been invaluable,” noted Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings. “We are excited to welcome Ike and deeply appreciative of the strong foundation Bolaji has laid.”

Charting the Future

Innocent Ike inherits an organisation shaped by Wigwe’s bold expansion strategy and Agbede’s steady stewardship. Speaking on his appointment, he remarked:

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Group CEO. I intend to build on the solid legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, while continuing to drive the company’s vision and deliver sustained value to all our stakeholders.”

Reported by: Justice Idanmuze

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