In a pivotal moment for Nigerian banking, Wema Bank has announced a significant leadership transition, marking a strategic renewal of its top management team as it prepares for the next phase of institutional development.
The bank will bid farewell to Oluwole Akinleye, its Deputy Managing Director, who will retire on November 30, 2024, after a distinguished decade-long tenure. His departure signals the end of an era and the beginning of a fresh leadership chapter.
Stepping into the shoes of this banking veteran are two seasoned professionals: Oluwole Ajimisinmi, newly appointed Deputy Managing Director, and Olukayode Bakare, elevated to the role of Executive Director.
Oluwole Ajimisinmi brings a robust blend of legal expertise and banking acumen to his new role. With a law degree from the University of Jos and executive education from Harvard Business School, Ajimisinmi has been a pivotal figure at Wema Bank since 2009, serving previously as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser.
Complementing him is Olukayode Bakare, a treasury and finance professional with an impressive 32-year career. Bakare’s extensive background spans academic and banking sectors, with specialized training from international institutions like the New York Institute of Finance and Harvard Business School.
The Board of Directors expressed clear confidence in these appointments, viewing them as a strategic move to reinforce the bank’s operational capabilities. “The Bank will continue to build on its achievements and remain focused on delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders,” the official statement emphasized.
Both Ajimisinmi and Bakare represent a new generation of banking leadership, professionally trained, globally exposed, and technologically adaptive. Ajimisinmi’s current oversight of the Lagos Business Directorate and Remedial/Recovery Department, combined with Bakare’s expertise in treasury and financial markets, positions Wema Bank to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary Nigerian banking.
While embracing the future, the bank took a moment to recognize Oluwole Akinleye’s substantial contributions. The Board’s statement of gratitude underscored his “invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment” during his ten-year tenure.
This leadership transition reflects a broader trend in the Nigerian banking sector, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing strategic renewal, digital transformation, and innovative leadership.
As Wema Bank turns this page, all eyes will be on Ajimisinmi and Bakare to see how they will steer the institution in an increasingly competitive and technologically driven banking environment.
The new leadership takes the helm on December 1, 2024, a date that potentially marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Wema Bank.
