Access Bank, one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions, has a rich history shaped by visionary leadership. At the helm, two remarkable individuals played pivotal roles: Herbert Wigwe, the architect of transformation, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, the custodian of continued growth.
Access Bank CEO
Former CEO: Herbert Wigwe
 |
| Herbert Wigwe |
Biography:
Herbert Wigwe was born on August 15, 1966, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended the prestigious Federal Government College in Sokoto before pursuing a degree in Accountancy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Wigwe furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Career:
Wigwe began his career at Coopers & Lybrand Associates, a prestigious accounting firm, where he honed his skills in financial management and consultancy. He then moved to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), where he quickly rose through the ranks to become an Executive Director, overseeing institutional banking.
In 2002, Wigwe and his long-time friend Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede acquired a small commercial bank, Access Bank. Under their visionary leadership, Access Bank transformed into one of Nigeria’s largest and most respected financial institutions. Wigwe's strategic focus on innovation, customer-centric banking, and aggressive expansion into international markets was instrumental in this transformation.
Herbert Wigwe served as the CEO of Access Bank from 2014 until his retirement in May 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the bank’s merger with Diamond Bank, creating a powerhouse in the Nigerian banking sector. His leadership was marked by a commitment to digital transformation, sustainable banking, and robust corporate governance.
Under Wigwe’s leadership, Access Bank expanded its footprint beyond Nigeria to 12 countries across Africa and established representative offices in major global financial centers, including London, New York, and Dubai. His tenure was celebrated for significantly increasing the bank’s asset base, customer numbers, and market capitalization.
Present CEO: Roosevelt Ogbonna
 |
| Roosevelt Ogbonna |
Biography:
Roosevelt Ogbonna was born on April 21, 1976, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a degree in Banking and Finance. Ogbonna is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Career:
Ogbonna’s career in banking began at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), where he gained extensive experience in corporate and investment banking. He joined Access Bank in 2002 and played a pivotal role in its rapid growth and expansion. His expertise in corporate banking, risk management, and financial strategy helped solidify Access Bank’s position as a leading financial institution in Africa.
Before becoming CEO, Ogbonna served as Group Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer, where he was instrumental in managing the bank's risk profile and steering strategic initiatives. He was also a key figure in the successful merger with Diamond Bank, working closely with Herbert Wigwe to integrate operations and culture seamlessly.
As CEO, appointed in May 2022, Ogbonna continues to drive Access Bank’s vision of becoming Africa’s gateway to the world. His leadership focuses on deepening financial inclusion, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and expanding the bank’s international presence. Ogbonna is known for his strategic acumen, strong leadership skills, and commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the bank.
Founder of Access Bank
Access Bank was founded by a group of visionary Nigerian business leaders in 1988. The founding members included Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe, who are often credited with playing a pivotal role in the bank's development and transformation. Initially established as a small commercial bank, Access Bank has grown significantly under the leadership and strategic direction of Aig-Imoukhuede and Wigwe, particularly following their acquisition of the bank in 2002.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
 |
| Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede |
Biography:
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede was born on September 24, 1966, in Ibadan, Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Benin with a degree in Law and later attended Harvard Business School's Executive Management Program.
Career:
Aig-Imoukhuede began his career in the legal department of Continental Merchant Bank before moving to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). At GTBank, he gained extensive experience in banking operations, financial management, and corporate governance.
In 2002, Aig-Imoukhuede, along with Herbert Wigwe, led a management buyout of Access Bank. Their acquisition marked the beginning of a transformational era for the bank. Under Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership as CEO from 2002 to 2013, Access Bank experienced rapid growth, increased its customer base, and expanded its operations both domestically and internationally. He is renowned for his strategic vision and for fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the bank.
Access Bank's Foundation and Growth
Access Bank was granted a banking license in December 1988 and commenced operations in May 1989. Initially a privately held commercial bank, Access Bank's trajectory changed significantly with the acquisition by Aig-Imoukhuede and Wigwe in 2002. Their leadership and strategic initiatives led to the bank’s remarkable growth and transformation into one of Africa's largest banks by assets and customer base.
The founders' vision, coupled with their strategic acquisitions, including the notable merger with Diamond Bank, and emphasis on innovation, customer service, and sustainable banking practices, have been key to Access Bank's success. Today, Access Bank is renowned for its extensive branch network, diverse product offerings, and commitment to driving financial inclusion and economic development in Africa.
Access Bank's Leadership Transition
The leadership transition from Herbert Wigwe to Roosevelt Ogbonna marked a significant milestone in Access Bank’s history. Wigwe’s departure, due to his Helicopter death in Califonia, after nearly two decades of transformative leadership was seen as the end of an era. However, his legacy of innovation, strategic growth, and robust corporate governance set a solid foundation for his successor.
Roosevelt Ogbonna’s appointment as CEO was met with optimism and confidence. His deep understanding of the bank’s operations, strategic vision, and proven leadership capabilities positioned him as the ideal candidate to lead Access Bank into its next phase of growth and development. Ogbonna’s leadership is expected to build on Wigwe’s legacy while navigating the evolving financial landscape and driving Access Bank towards greater heights.
Conclusion
The story of Access Bank’s leadership is one of visionary thinking, strategic execution, and a commitment to excellence. From Herbert Wigwe’s transformative tenure to Roosevelt Ogbonna’s dynamic leadership, Access Bank continues to thrive as a leading financial institution in Africa and beyond. Their biographies and careers reflect a shared dedication to innovation, growth, and the advancement of the African banking sector.