Sowemimo Agbede, a leading figure in the Nigerian banking sector, was recently appointed as Group Human Resources Director of Access Bank. This appointment follows an impressive career of more than 27 years in the banking sector, where Agbede distinguished herself primarily through her expertise in human resources management, customer relations and banking operations.
Agbede graduated with a degree in mathematics and statistics from the University of Lagos in 1990, before earning an MBA from Cranfield University in 2002. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria , demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence and personal growth.
His professional career has been marked by his participation in prestigious leadership development programs, such as the High-Performance Leadership Program at IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Program at the London Business School. These training courses strengthened her leadership and talent management skills, making her a reference in the field.
Within Access Bank, Agbede played a crucial role in the development of human capital, notably by leading the human resources department since 2010. Her managerial talents were highlighted during various mergers and acquisitions, where she managed to successfully integrate employees into a new environment.
In addition to her professional expertise, Agbede is also a strong advocate for gender equality. In particular, she implemented progressive initiatives such as paternity leave, six months of maternity leave and the creation of a crèche within the bank. She is also behind the establishment of the Access Women network, which aims to promote the empowerment of women within the company.
Apart from her work at the bank, Agbede is also involved in several non-governmental organizations focused on women’s empowerment, capacity building and leadership. She notably serves on the boards of directors of the ROWAA Widows initiative and Propel Grad, thus contributing to building a better future for women.
The appointment of Sowemimo Agbede as Group Human Resources Manager of Access Bank marks a significant milestone in his career and strengthens the bank’s position as an employer of choice in Nigeria. Her experience, leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment are valuable assets that will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s future success.