csrreporters 
Car Reporters joins the financial industry in celebrating Innocent Ike, who has been appointed as the substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, effective August 29, 2025.
For Ike, the appointment is both a homecoming and a renewal. With over three decades of banking experience, he previously spent 10 years at Access Bank, rising to the position of General Manager and managing corporate, commercial, and public sector portfolios. He later went on to lead Polaris Bank as Managing Director/CEO, where he launched VULTe, the award-winning digital banking platform that redefined customer experience in the Nigerian financial sector.
A trailblazer in banking excellence, Ike graduated as the Best Student in Accounting from the University of Lagos in 1988. He is a Fellow of CIBN and ICAN, as well as a certified IFRS expert, with a reputation for driving innovation and transformation across the industry.
Ike takes over from Bolaji Agbede, who steered Access Holdings with remarkable leadership during an 18-month transitional period following the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Group’s iconic CEO. Under Agbede’s watch, the institution maintained stability, raised ₦351 billion in rights issue, and held two successful AGMs.
As Ike assumes the helm, he inherits an organisation defined by Wigwe’s bold vision and Agbede’s stabilising leadership. His focus will be to consolidate on these legacies while steering Access Holdings toward its aspiration of becoming the world’s most respected African financial services company.
“I am honoured to take on this role,” Ike said. “Together, we will build on our legacy, deliver exceptional value, and strengthen our position as Africa’s financial powerhouse.”
Car Reporters proudly celebrates this milestone and wishes Innocent Ike success in his new role.
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