Herbert Wigwe Biography: Career, Age. Wiki, Early Life, Wife, Age, Death, Net Worth, And More
Herbert Wigwe Biography: Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, (15 August 1966 – 9 February 2024) was a prominent Nigerian banker and entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the country’s banking sector. Serving as the group managing director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, he played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s growth and success.
Wigwe’s tenure as CEO of Access Bank was marked by innovation, strategic vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, the bank experienced remarkable expansion and consolidation, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the Nigerian banking industry. His dedication to excellence and commitment to customer service earned him widespread acclaim and recognition within the financial community.
Tragically, Wigwe’s life was cut short on February 9, 2024, following a helicopter crash in the United States. His untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout the Nigerian business community, as colleagues, friends, and admirers mourned the loss of a visionary leader and mentor.
Despite his sudden and tragic death, Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe’s legacy continues to inspire and influence countless individuals in Nigeria and beyond. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the banking sector will forever be remembered, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the Nigerian economy and society as a whole.
Wiki Data – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Name: Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe
Birth date: 15 August 1966
Birthplace: Isiokpo, Rivers State,
Occupation: CEO of Access Bank
Religion: Christianity
Spouse: Doreen Chizoba Wigwe
Children: 4 children
Awards: 2016 Banker of The Year
Death: 9 February 2024
Net Worth: $65.2 million
Early Life – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe entered the world on August 15, 1966, in Isiokpo, Rivers State, Nigeria. He hailed from a family where excellence and service were valued, with his father serving as the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority and his mother working as a nurse.
Education – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Wigwe’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which he obtained in 1987. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, he received a British Council scholarship in 1990, enabling him to pursue a Master of Arts in Banking and Finance at the University College of North Wales (now Bangor University), which he completed in 1991.
Not stopping there, Wigwe furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Financial Economics from the University of London in 1996. His dedication to learning also led him to attend the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2018.
Career – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Wigwe’s professional journey commenced in the late 1980s when he began his career as a management consultant at Coopers & Lybrand. His dedication and expertise led him to become a chartered accountant in 1989. Subsequently, he joined Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where he honed his skills for over a decade, eventually rising to the position of executive director around 1998.
In 2002, Wigwe, alongside his business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, embarked on a significant venture by acquiring Access Bank. However, their purchase faced hurdles as the Central Bank of Nigeria initially raised concerns about their age and suitability to own a bank. Despite these challenges, between 2002 and 2017, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth, eventually becoming the fourth-largest bank in Nigeria.
During this period, Wigwe held various key positions within the bank, including serving as the deputy managing director from 2002 to 2014. Additionally, he assumed the role of chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited in 2013. From January 2014 until his untimely passing, Wigwe served as the CEO and group managing director of Access Bank.
In 2018, Access Bank made headlines with its merger with Diamond Bank, a move that solidified its position as the largest bank in Nigeria. Wigwe had ambitious plans to expand the bank’s reach into Asia in early 2024. However, his sudden demise prevented the fruition of this expansion strategy.
Apart from his contributions to the banking sector, Wigwe was also instrumental in the establishment of the Access Conference, a leadership series aimed at addressing global challenges. Since its inception in 2013, the Access Conference has served as a platform for engaging global leaders in discussions on pressing issues affecting humanity.
Age – Herbert Wigwe Biography
He is 57 years old. He died on 15 August 1966.
Wife – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Her wife’s name is Doreen Chizoba Wigwe.
Personal Life – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Wigwe and Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, born on 12 July 1967, were happily married and blessed with four children.
Awards – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Wigwe received accolades for his outstanding contributions to the banking sector and society.
In 2016, he was honored as the Banker of The Year by The Sun and Vanguard, prestigious Nigerian newspapers.
Additionally, in recognition of his exemplary role in society and dedication to youth development, the Boys’ Brigade appointed him as the State Patron for Lagos State Council in 2016.
Furthermore, in October 2022, he was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, a prestigious Nigerian national honor, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also Checkout:Chizoba Wigwe Biography, Husband, Net Worth And Age
Death – Herbert Wigwe Biography
On February 9, 2024, tragedy struck when a Eurocopter EC130 carrying six individuals, including Wigwe, crashed near Nipton, California. Among the victims were his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and his son, Chizi Wigwe, who was born in January 1995.
Also among those tragically lost were former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo and two crew members. The passengers were en route from Palm Springs International Airport to Boulder City, Nevada, on a charter flight operated by Orbic Air. They were heading to Las Vegas to attend the National Football League championship game, Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for that Sunday.
Net Worth – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Herbert Wigwe has amassed considerable wealth through his endeavors in banking and investment. While the exact figure of his net worth is not publicly disclosed, estimates indicate that it stands at around $65.2 million. This places him among the wealthiest bankers in Africa, reflecting his success and influence in the financial sector.
Conclusion – Herbert Wigwe Biography
Wigwe’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments in the banking industry. His vision, leadership, and commitment to innovation have left an indelible mark, shaping Access Bank into a powerhouse within the Nigerian and global financial landscape.