Chizoma Okoli has retired, effective April 30, 2026, from Access Bank, as the deputy managing director, marking the end of her tenure at the tier-one lender.
The disclosure, filed by Access Holdings Plc, with the Nigerian Exchange, signals a leadership transition within one of Nigeria’s largest banking groups, as Okoli concludes a career defined by strong influence in retail banking and SME growth.
Okoli joined Access Bank in 2019 as Executive Director and rose to the role of Deputy Managing Director (Retail South) in 2022.
During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding the bank’s retail footprint, deepening customer acquisition, and strengthening offerings targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises across its markets.
Her exit comes as part of a planned transition following the completion of her term, according to the company.
In a statement, the Board of Access Holdings commended her contributions, noting that her leadership helped drive retail strategy and business development initiatives across the bank’s operations.
With nearly three decades of banking experience, Okoli’s career spans commercial, corporate, and institutional banking, having started at the defunct Diamond Bank before its merger with Access Bank.
While the group has yet to name a successor, her departure adds to ongoing executive-level changes within Nigeria’s banking sector as institutions reposition for growth, digital transformation, and evolving customer demands.
