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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The board of Access Holdings Plc has announced the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as non-executive chairman.
In a statement filed at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Wednesday, Access Holdings said Aig-Imoukhuede will replace Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile chairman.
Aig-Imoukhuede retired as Access Bank CEO in December 2013 and became the president of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) afterwards.
According to the company, Jimoh will remain on the board as an independent non-executive director.
Access Holdings said the decision, which comes after the death of Hebert Wigwe, the company’s immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), is the result of extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
The company said the board unanimously invited Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance, adding that he is a visionary and accomplished leader who brings an outstanding record of accomplishments, a wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the group into a new era of success.
“With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader, having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group Chief Executive Officer between 2002 and 2013 ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR who later succeeded him.
“Under Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community. The Bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks with presence in 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom.
“Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million with more Cress Book employees and an asset base of USD $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognized name.
“His strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the Bank’s success,” Access Holdings said.
According to the statement, Aig-Imoukhuede cofounded the Tengen Family Office Limited, which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate and energy.
“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 company said.
Highlighting Aig-Imoukhuede’s new role, Access Holdings said as non-executive chairman, he will collaborate with the board of directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.
“His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights,” it added.
Speaking on Aig-Imoukhuede’s return, Jimoh said he is excited about the development.
“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,” he said.
Commenting on his appointment, Aig-Imoukhuede said he is determined to ensure the shared vision, which Wigwe gave everything for, is realised.
He added that he is confident that working with the directors, exceptional team of executives and banking and finance professionals, will deliver outstanding value to the company’s esteemed stakeholders.
