TRAGIC NEWS: THE CEO OF ACCESS HOLDINGS HERBERT WIGWE, HIS WIFE AND SON REPORTEDLY DIE IN A CHOPPER CRASH IN THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Dr Wigwe and five others died on 9 February 2024 after the Eurocopter EC130 in which they were travelling crashed near Nipton, California. Also killed were his wife, his son Chizi, former Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members.

Dr. 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.

Dr Wigwe, Aged 57, was reported to have died in an accident that occurred in the California desert on February 9. The Airbus Helicopters EC-130 went down with six people on board including Wigwe’s wife and son, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is in charge of an investigation into the crash.

Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary in a statement said that Wigwe died alongside his wife & son on February 9, 2024 in a helicopter crash in the USA.

“It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the company’s founding Group CEO & former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).

The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen & Chizi. They extend their sincere sympathies to his family and love ones.

Dr. Wigwe was driving force and a larger-than life personality and experience who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy to the transformation of the Access Bank Franchise since joining the Bank in 2002.”

“To a Great man we say Goodbye”