ROOSEVELT OGBONNA: PIONEERING AFRICA’S GATEWAY TO GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS

ROOSEVELT OGBONNA: PIONEERING AFRICA’S GATEWAY TO GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS

In a world where connectivity drives progress, Roosevelt Ogbonna

stands as a transformative leader, reshaping the banking landscape to make Access Bank PLC the undeniable gateway for African businesses into global financial markets. With a vision rooted in innovation and inclusivity, Ogbonna’s leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between African potential and global opportunities.

A VISIONARY AT THE HELM

Since being appointed Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank in May 2022, Ogbonna has driven the bank’s strategic expansion across Africa and beyond. His leadership has been pivotal in acquiring Standard Chartered Bank's operations in Sierra Leone and Angola, extending Access Bank’s influence in emerging markets. These moves are more than corporate milestones; they symbolize empowerment for African businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive global economy.

“We’re not just banking; we’re building bridges,” Ogbonna has often remarked, emphasizing his mission to make Access Bank the heartbeat of Africa's financial inclusion journey. His vision is evident in initiatives like the Paris office, which connects African businesses with European markets, fostering trade and investment opportunities.

IMPACT BEYOND NUMBERS

Ogbonna’s journey is not merely about growth charts and market shares—it’s about people. His leadership is shaped by the belief that finance is a tool for transformation. By offering tailored financial products and improving access to credit for small and medium enterprises, he has given African entrepreneurs a platform to innovate and compete on the global stage.

His emphasis on inclusivity resonates with the bank’s mantra of “more than banking.” Under his guidance, Access Bank has championed sustainable practices, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of environmental and social responsibilities.

A LEADER MOLDED BY EXCELLENCE

Roosevelt Ogbonna’s success is a culmination of two decades of experience and a foundation built on rigorous academic and professional training. A consummate professional, Ogbonna joined Access Bank in 2002 after a successful stint at Guaranty Trust Bank. Rising through the ranks, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director in 2017 and Executive Director in 2013.

His academic credentials are as diverse as his professional milestones. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a CFA charter holder, Ogbonna’s educational journey includes a Master’s in Business Administration from IMD Business School, Switzerland, and an LL.M in International Corporate & Commercial Law from King’s College, London. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executive Fellow program.

His exceptional leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, he was recognized as one of the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Future Global Leaders—a testament to his forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence.

A LEGACY IN THE MAKING

Ogbonna’s influence extends beyond Access Bank. He serves as a Non-Executive Director for the bank’s subsidiaries in the UK and South Africa, and represents the institution on the boards of the African Finance Corporation and CSCS Plc. These roles further underscore his dedication to advancing financial services across the continent.

Roosevelt Ogbonna’s story is one of vision, resilience, and impact. As he continues to lead Access Bank into new territories, his legacy as a builder of bridges between Africa and the world grows stronger. For him, banking is not just a business—it’s a transformative journey shaping a brighter future for Africa.

Princess Adeola Shittu