The CEO of Access Bank emerged victorious, claiming the award in Casablanca on December 9. In May 2022, Ogbonna became the Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest lender by assets. His appointment followed the restructuring of the bank into a holding company structure, with Access Holdings as the parent entity.

Named African Banker of the Year at the fourth edition of the African Financial Industry Summit (AFIS), held on December 9 and 10 in Casablanca. Ogbonna is steering Access Bank’s strategy to fill the gap left by the retreat of Western banks from the continent. Access Bank is set to acquire Standard Chartered’s assets in Botswana, Uganda, and Zambia, thereby accelerating its plans to become one of the top five banking giants in Africa.

Before taking the helm of the bank, he served as Deputy Managing Director for five years. He also held several positions, including Executive Director in charge of commercial banking and Group Head and Regional Director of commercial banking.

His banking career began at the now-defunct Lead Merchant Bank, whose license was revoked in 2006. He then joined GTB in 1998 and left in 2002 to join Access Bank. Ogbonna holds a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; an MBA from IMD Business School in Switzerland; an LL.M. in International Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College London; and an Executive MBA from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.