This information was disclosed on November 15, 2024, by the Company Secretary, Johnson Lebile, via a statement on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) platform.
These new appointments come as Oluwole Akinleye, the current Deputy Managing Director, prepares to retire on November 30, 2024, concluding a notable decade-long career with the bank.
“The Bank hereby announces the retirement of its Deputy Managing Director, Oluwole Akinleye, effective November 30, 2024, after ten (10) years of meritorious service on the Board of the Bank. He will be succeeded by Oluwole Ajimisinmi, the Executive Director in charge of the Lagos Business Directorate of the Bank.”
The statement conveyed sincere gratitude for Mr. Akinleye’s years of commitment, and it further highlighted:
“The Board of Directors and the Management of the Bank hereby express their deepest gratitude to Mr. Akinleye for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to the Bank’s mission and vision.”
Oluwole Ajimisinmi: Deputy Managing Director
Oluwole Ajimisinmi possesses a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Jos and has qualified as a Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) from the Nigerian Law School.
His academic credentials are further enhanced by his participation in the General Management Program (GMP) at Harvard Business School, where he acquired essential knowledge in business leadership and management.
Ajimisinmi commenced his career with Wema Bank Plc in July 2009, serving as the Company Secretary and Legal Adviser. Due to his significant contributions, he was elevated to the Board as an Executive Director in July 2020.
His vast expertise in banking and corporate governance has been instrumental to the Bank's operations, positioning him effectively for the role of Deputy Managing Director.
In his current capacity, he manages the Lagos Business Directorate and the Remedial/Recovery Department, underscoring his engagement in critical operational functions of the Bank. This new role places him at the helm of Wema Bank’s initiatives to enhance its services and operational efficiency.
Olukayode Bakare: Executive Director
Olukayode Bakare is a seasoned treasury and finance expert with over 32 years of experience across academia and the banking industry. His professional journey has concentrated on financial markets, risk management, and treasury operations.
He holds a degree in Economics from Ogun State University, an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan obtained in 1995, and has earned an ACI Dealing Certificate with distinction from the Financial Markets Association in Paris, France.
Olukayode has participated in various professional development programs, including the Advanced Capital Market Program at the New York Institute of Finance, Digital Transformation at IMD in Lausanne, and a negotiation course at Harvard Business School. He is also recognized as an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Olukayode commenced his banking career at Ecobank Limited and has since occupied various positions within the industry. Notably, he was the inaugural Treasurer at Diamond du Republic of Benin and held the role of Group Executive for Market Risk Management at Intercontinental Bank, which is now known as Access Bank.
Prior to his recent appointment as Executive Director, he was the Divisional Executive responsible for Treasury, Wholesale Funding, and Global Trade Business at Wema Bank. His extensive experience and understanding of financial operations are anticipated to enhance the Bank’s leadership team in fulfilling its strategic objectives.
The Board has expressed confidence in the valuable expertise that the new appointees will contribute to Wema Bank.
“The Board is confident that with the appointments of Oluwole Ajimisinmi as Deputy Managing Director and Olukayode Bakare as Executive Director, the Bank will continue to build on its achievements and remain focused on delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders,” the statement read.