Access Holdings Plc Appoints Mr. Innocent Ike as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Recognizes Ms. Bolaji Agbede’s Exceptional Service as Acting GMD/CEO

Access Holdings Plc (“Access Holdco” or “the Company”) today announces the appointment of Mr. Innocent Ike as the substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.

Mr. Ike succeeds Ms. Bolaji Agbede, who has served as Acting Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer for the past 18 months. During this period, she played a pivotal role in maintaining the Company’s strong performance. In line with regulatory requirements regarding the years of experience necessary for the role of Managing Director of a financial holding company, Ms. Agbede will return to her substantive role as Executive Director, Business Support.

Under Ms. Agbede’s leadership, Access Holdco achieved several key milestones, including ensuring workforce stability and a seamless leadership transition following the passing of the former Group Chief Executive Officer. She also oversaw the successful execution of the Company’s ₦351 billion Rights Issue and the smooth hosting of two Annual General Meetings. Her strategic leadership not only preserved the Company’s momentum but also enhanced its competitive position in the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, the Company’s Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Innocent Ike as we move into a new chapter. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Bolaji Agbede. Her exceptional leadership over the past 18 months has been invaluable, and we commend her dedication in steering the Company through both challenges and opportunities. While regulatory requirements necessitate this transition, the foundation she has laid is deeply appreciated.”

Mr. Ike graduated from the University of Lagos with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting in 1988, earning recognition as the Best Graduating Student. 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 a certified IFRS expert. With over three decades of experience in banking and financial services—including 10 years at Access Bank where he rose to General Manager—Mr. Ike has managed portfolios across the corporate, commercial, and public sectors.

From 2020 to 2022, he served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, where he launched VULTe, the bank’s digital banking platform. Under his leadership, Polaris Bank received several industry accolades, including the BusinessDay BAFI Digital Bank of the Year Award and the Nigerian Fintech Digital Bank of the Year Award in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Ike said:

“I am honoured to assume the role of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings. I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and to driving our vision forward—delivering exceptional value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Access Holdings remains committed to its vision of becoming the world’s most respected African financial services group. With Mr. Innocent Ike at the helm, the Company is well-positioned for continued growth and long-term success.