Bolaji Agbede: A Seasoned Banker and Advocate for Gender Equality Takes the Helm at Access Holdings

Access Holdings has announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer following the unfortunate death of former Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

Agbede brings over 27 years of experience in the banking sector to her new role, with a strong background in human resources management, customer relationship management, and banking operations.

Agbede holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and an MBA from Cranfield University (2002).

She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Her extensive professional development includes the High-Performance Leadership Programme at IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Programme at the London Business School.

Since joining Access Bank in 2003, Agbede has played a key role in the bank’s human capital development as the Head of HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010.

Her tenure has been marked by successful people integrations during significant mergers and acquisitions.

Agbede has demonstrated her proficiency in mergers and acquisitions through her involvement in the integrations of Marina International Bank, Capital Bank, Intercontinental Bank Plc, and the merger between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc.

A strong advocate for gender equality and equity, Agbede has introduced progressive initiatives at Access Bank, such as paternity leave, six months’ maternity leave, the Bank’s Crèche, and the Access Women Network.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she contributes her expertise to several non-governmental organizations focused on women’s empowerment, capacity building, and leadership.

With the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group CEO of Access Holdings, the company is poised to continue its growth and success under her experienced leadership, while also promoting gender equality and equity within the organization and the broader financial sector.