Access Bank confirms Wigwe’s death in plane crash

Access Bank confirms Wigwe’s death in plane crash

The management of Access Bank has confirmed the death of its Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, in a plane crash in the United States.

The bank, in a statement, described the death of Wigwe as a “painful Exit”.

“With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, our group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings. Herbert died alongside his wife and son on Friday February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.

“Though Herbert is no longer with us, his visionary leadership and unwaivering commitment to social impact initiatives have left an indelible mark on the entire Access Nation and the communities we serve. His legacy will never be forgotten,” the bank said.

Mr. Wigwe started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants. He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc where he managed several portfolios, including financial institutions, large corporates and multinationals.

He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director. He was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO effective January 1, 2014 and served in that capacity till May 2022. He was subsequently appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank effective May 2022.

Mr Wigwe is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Mr Wigwe is the Chairman of The Access Bank (UK) Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company Plc; FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange; Shared Agents Network Expansion Facilities Ltd and Agri-Business/ SME Enterprises Investment Scheme. He is also a member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.(www.amatropics.com)