Bolaji Agbede is a Nigerian banker and business executive who currently serves as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, one of the leading financial services groups in Africa. She was appointed to this position on February 12, 2024, following the tragic death of her predecessor, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash.
She is a versatile professional with over 27 years’ experience in Human Resources management, customer relationship management and banking operations. She has a proven record of successful people integration during mergers and acquisitions, culture transformation and execution of corporate strategies.
Agbede was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1968. She attended the University of Lagos, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics in 1990. She later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, in 2002. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
Agbede began her professional career in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she worked in various capacities within the Commercial Banking and Operations functions, rising to the position of Manager in 2001. In 2003, she joined Access Bank Plc as an Assistant General Manager and was responsible for managing the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. She also served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit, in 2003.
Ms. Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.
Agbede has been instrumental in the bank’s human capital development, serving as the Head of HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010. She has also played a pivotal role in several successful mergers and acquisitions, including those involving Marina International Bank, Capital Bank, Intercontinental Bank Plc, and the merger between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc. She was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support, in 2022, a role she held until her recent appointment as the Acting GCEO.
Agbede is a strong advocate for gender equality and equity, having introduced progressive initiatives such as paternity leave, six months’ maternity leave, the bank’s crèche, and the Access Women Network. She also lends her expertise to non-governmental organizations focused on women’s empowerment, capacity building, and leadership, serving on the boards of several organizations.
Bolaji Agbede Education and Early life
Bolaji Agbede was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1968. She grew up in a middle-class family with four siblings. Her father was a civil servant and her mother was a teacher. Bolaji Agbede attended St. Mary’s Private School and Federal Government Girls’ College for her primary and secondary education. She was a bright and ambitious student who excelled in mathematics and science.
She developed an interest in banking and finance from an early age, as she often accompanied her father to the bank and observed how transactions were done. She also admired her mother’s dedication and passion for teaching and learning. She decided to pursue a career that would combine both fields and make a positive impact on society.
Bolaji Agbede enrolled at the University of Lagos in 1986, where she studied Mathematics and Statistics. She graduated with a first-class honors degree in 1990, making her one of the best students in her class. She then applied for a scholarship to study for a Master of Business Administration degree at Cranfield University, United Kingdom, one of the top business schools in the world. She was awarded the scholarship and completed her MBA in 2002, specializing in Human Resources Management.
She also joined the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, two professional bodies that regulate and promote the standards and practices of management and personnel management in the UK and Nigeria respectively. She became a certified and recognized member of both institutes, demonstrating her competence and commitment to her profession.
Bolaji Agbede Husband, Children and personal life
Bolaji Agbede is married to Olusegun Agbede, a civil engineer and entrepreneur. Bolaji Agbede and Olusegun Agbede tied the knot in 1995 and have three children: two sons and a daughter. Bolaji Agbede children names are Oluwaseun, Oluwafemi, and Oluwatoyin. The family lives in Lagos, where they enjoy spending quality time together and supporting each other’s dreams and goals. Bolaji Agbede is a devout Christian who attends the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Bolaji Agbede Age
Bolaji Agbede was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in the year 1968. Bolaji Agbede is currently 55 years old as of 2024. She celebrated her 55th birthday on October 17, 2023.
Bolaji Agbede Net Worth
Bolaji Agbede is one of the most successful bankers in Nigeria and Africa. She is the acting CEO of Access Holdings, which owns Access Bank, the largest bank in Africa by customer base and assets. According to some sources, Bolaji Agbede net worth as of January 31, 2024, was $418,275. This may have increased since then, as Access Holdings’ share price has risen by 10.5% in the past month. Bolaji Agbede main source of income is her salary and bonuses from Access Holdings, where she has been a director and board member since 2022. She may also have other investments and assets that are not publicly disclosed.
