Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede returns as Access Holdings chairman — 11 years after retirement

Access Holdings Plc has announced the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as the non-executive chairman.

In a statement filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Wednesday, the financial institution said Aig-Imoukhuede will replace Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile chairman.

Aig-Imoukhuede retired from the bank as CEO in December 2013 — he became the president of the 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.

Wigwe, wife and son died in a chopper crash on February 10 in the United States.

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,” Access Holdings said.

“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.”

According to Access Holdings, 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,” the company said.

“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.”

PROVIDE GUIDANCE, OVERSEE STRATEGY

Highlighting Aig-Imoukhuede 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.,” the company said.

Commenting on the 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,” Jimoh said.

On his part, Aig-Imoukhuede said he is determined to ensure the shared vision which Wigwe gave everything for, is realised.

Aig-Imoukhuede also said he is confident working with the directors, exceptional team of executives and banking and finance professionals, will deliver outstanding value to the company’s esteemed stakeholders.