Access Bank appoints Oluseyi Kumapayi as DMD for African subsidiaries and Olanrewaju Bamisebi as ED of IT and Digitalisation

Access Bank Plc, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, announced two senior appointments that were approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Oluseyi Kumapayi was promoted to Deputy Managing Director, African Subsidiaries, effective 27 October 2026, while Olanrewaju Bamisebi took up the role of Executive Director, Information Technology and Digitalisation on 28 October 2026. Both appointments were communicated to the Nigerian Exchange Limited by Access Holdings.

Kumapayi moves up from his previous post as Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, a position he has held since November 2020. Bamisebi transitions to the Access Bank board after his tenure at Access Holdings, where he held the position of Executive Director for Information Technology and Digitalisation. These adjustments indicate a deliberate strategic pivot by the Group toward enhancing profitability, optimizing capital use, and boosting productivity through technology.

Background

The appointments come as Access Holdings transitions from a growth‑oriented expansion model to a value‑creation strategy centred on extracting greater returns from its existing franchise. The Group has highlighted the need for stronger subsidiary performance, disciplined capital allocation and operational excellence. Kumapayi possesses over two decades of banking expertise, having entered Access Bank in 2002, occupied the role of Group Chief Financial Officer between 2007 and 2020, and maintained senior positions across finance, strategy, and risk management. He has achieved Fellow status with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and possesses advanced academic qualifications from IMD, IE University, and Harvard Business School.

Bamisebi adds over two decades of technology leadership, previously holding senior positions at Equity Group Holdings, Diamond Bank and other Nigerian financial institutions. His expertise includes technology transformation, digital banking and enterprise systems. The Group’s statement notes that moving the technology leadership directly under the bank aligns digital initiatives with commercial and operational priorities.

Why it matters

The restructuring aims to improve the profitability and capital productivity of Access Bank’s African operations. By elevating Kumapayi, the Group signals a heightened focus on translating the subsidiaries’ market positions into stronger earnings and better returns on capital. Bamisebi’s appointment is intended to accelerate the bank’s digital agenda, modernise technology platforms, strengthen cybersecurity and enhance customer experience. These moves are expected to support Access Bank’s goal of delivering sustainable shareholder returns and operational efficiency across its African footprint.

What happens next

The Group indicated that the new leadership will work closely with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to implement the expanded mandates. No further dates or specific initiatives were disclosed beyond the effective appointment dates. The appointments are part of Access Holdings’ broader plan to tighten accountability, improve execution and allocate capital more disciplined, as outlined by Group Chairman Aigboje Aig‑Imoukhuede in the company’s notification to the exchange.