Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime has been appointed Chairman of Access Bank Plc’s Board of Directors, the lender announced Sunday, marking the latest leadership transition at Nigeria’s largest bank by assets.
The appointment takes effect immediately following the January 29 retirement of outgoing Chairman Paul Usoro, SAN, who completed his maximum regulatory term. Access Holdings Plc disclosed the change in a regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange.
The leadership reshuffle continues a broader reorganization at Access Holdings as the financial services group strengthens governance across its subsidiaries while pursuing continental expansion.
Leadership endorsement
Access Holdings Group Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede praised Osime’s track record and alignment with the bank’s strategic vision.
“Mrs. Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values,” Aig-Imoukhuede said in a statement. “Under her leadership, the Bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the World’s Most Respected African Bank.”
Aig-Imoukhuede also acknowledged Usoro’s contributions during his tenure, noting he “shall remain a valued member of the Access family.”
Recent governance overhaul
Access Holdings has reshaped its executive team significantly over the past 18 months. Innocent Ike assumed the role of Group Managing Director and CEO in August 2025 after receiving regulatory clearance, replacing Roosevelt Ogbonna, who stepped down amid revised corporate governance requirements.
Aig-Imoukhuede himself returned as Group Chairman in 2024 following the unexpected death of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe, whose leadership had driven the bank’s aggressive regional growth strategy.
Osime’s credentials
Osime brings extensive experience in corporate law, governance, and financial services to the chairmanship. She has served on Access Bank’s board since November 2019 as an independent non-executive director, most recently chairing both the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Her career includes board positions at Coronation Insurance Plc, Coronation Life Insurance Ltd, and the former Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank). She has also held senior roles at McPherson Legal Practitioners, NSIA Insurance, and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.
The appointment positions Osime to oversee Access Bank’s operations as the institution continues expanding its footprint across African markets and pursues deeper penetration in international financial centers.
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