Access Holdings Plc has announced the retirement of its Executive Director, Business Support, Bolaji Agbede, effective June 30, 2026, bringing to a close a distinguished career spanning more than two decades within one of Africa’s largest financial services groups.
The retirement, disclosed in a regulatory filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday, follows the expiration of Agbede’s tenure on the board of Access Holdings. The filing, signed by Company Secretary Sunday Ekwochi, confirmed that she will step down from the board at the end of her current term.
Agbede’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the evolution of Access Holdings, where she played a pivotal role in human capital development, leadership continuity, and corporate transformation. Having joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager, she steadily rose through the ranks and was appointed Group Head of Human Resources in 2010, overseeing talent management and workforce strategy during a period of rapid expansion across Africa and other international markets.
She gained national and international recognition in February 2024 when she was appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer following the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe. At a time of heightened uncertainty for investors, employees, and stakeholders, Agbede was tasked with steering the institution through a sensitive transition period.
Her tenure as Acting Group CEO lasted until August 2025, when Innocent Ike was appointed substantive Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Industry observers credited Agbede with helping preserve operational stability, maintain stakeholder confidence, and ensure continuity across the group’s banking and non-banking businesses during one of the most challenging periods in its history.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Board of Access Holdings expressed gratitude for her dedication and leadership, noting that she served the organisation with distinction throughout her career.
“During a critical period in the Group’s history, she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, stability, and commitment, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and sustained business performance,” the company said.
The retirement comes as Access Holdings continues to strengthen its governance structure and pursue growth opportunities across key African markets. Leadership transitions of this nature are closely watched by investors as they reflect broader succession planning efforts and institutional resilience within Nigeria’s banking sector.
With her departure, Agbede leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, strategic human capital management, and stewardship during a pivotal moment in Access Holdings’ corporate history.
