Access Holdings Plc, a prominent financial institution, is grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Herbert Wigwe, who, along with his wife and son, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the United States. The company has announced plans to appoint an acting Group Chief Executive Officer in the wake of this devastating event.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, Access Holdings Plc confirmed the heartbreaking news and extended its deepest condolences to the families of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, his son, and the other passengers who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident.
The statement emphasized that the appointment of a new CEO aligns with the company’s policy and commitment to ensuring continuity in leadership. It stated, “In line with the company’s policy, the board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Dr. Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”
The sudden and tragic loss of Herbert Wigwe has sent shockwaves through the business community and Access Holdings Plc, where Wigwe served as a visionary leader. His dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the organization and the financial sector as a whole.
Among those on board the ill-fated chopper was Abimbola Ogunbajo, the former Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group, along with three others. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, with preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board suggesting that wintry weather and rain may have contributed to the accident.
Herbert Wigwe’s tenure as CEO of Access Holdings Plc began on March 28, 2022, following a distinguished career within Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. He had previously served as the deputy managing director at Access Bank from 2012 to 2014, after which he assumed the role of group managing director and CEO.
Throughout his tenure, Wigwe played a pivotal role in shaping Access Bank’s growth trajectory and solidifying its position as a market leader. He also held several significant positions within the Access Bank Group, including chairman of Access Bank (Ghana), Access Investment & Securities Limited, Central Securities and Clearing System. At the time of his passing, he served as chairman of Access Bank Limited and Unified Payments Services Limited.
The unexpected loss of Herbert Wigwe has left a significant void in Access Holdings Plc, and the company remains committed to upholding his legacy of growth and operational excellence. As the board prepares to name an acting CEO, the organization reaffirms its dedication to ensuring continuity and stability in its leadership during this challenging time.
Access Holdings Plc acknowledges the outpouring of support and condolences from colleagues, clients, and partners during this difficult period. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring Herbert Wigwe’s memory and carrying forward his vision for a brighter future.
