Access Holdings Plc has suffered a profound loss with the reported death of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America on Friday night.
According to reports, Wigwe, alongside his wife and son, was aboard the helicopter en route to Las Vegas when the tragic incident occurred near the border between Nevada and California. Additionally, the Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was also on board during the crash.
As the news reverberates through the business community, here are seven key points highlighting the remarkable career and contributions of the late Access Bank CEO:
- Mr. Wigwe commenced his professional journey with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants.
- With over a decade of experience, he played pivotal roles at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, managing various portfolios ranging from financial institutions to large corporates and multinationals.
- In March 2002, Wigwe joined Access Bank Plc as Deputy Managing Director, spearheading its transformation. He ascended to the position of Group Managing Director/CEO in January 2014, leading the institution until May 2022 when he transitioned to a Non-Executive Director role.
- Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and growth, the late CEO pursued the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme.
- Wigwe held a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, another master’s degree in financial economics from the University of London, and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- As a testament to his professional excellence, he was a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
- Additionally, Wigwe served on the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, further solidifying his impact on the banking sector.
The sudden loss of Herbert Wigwe leaves a significant void in the Nigerian banking industry and beyond. His legacy as a visionary leader and his contributions to Access Holdings Plc will be remembered and cherished by colleagues, associates, and the wider community.
