Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced several significant changes to its Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to strong corporate governance and leadership continuity.
1. Retirement of Independent Non-Executive Director – Mrs. Helen Bouyques
The Board announces the retirement of Mrs. Helen Bouygues, an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. Mrs. Bouygues served the Board with distinction, bringing immense value to the Company through her dedication, independence, and strategic insights. The Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Mrs Bouygues for her exemplary service and wishes her continued success in her future endeavours.
2. Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Director – Mr Babatunde Soyoye
The Board announces the appointment of Mr. Babatunde Soyoye as an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company. Mr. Soyoye is a seasoned professional with over thirty-three (33) years of work experience, thirty (30) of which have been spent in investment and financial advisory services. He is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners LLP, a private investment firm with its principal office in the United Kingdom. The firm was formed to pursue alternative asset class investments in Sub-Saharan Africa, specialising in investments in companies, growth capital for private enterprises, and restructuring joint ventures, startups, and structured investments. Mr. Soyoye’s appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said: “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Babatunde Soyoye to the Board. His extensive experience in strategic investment, combined with a strong track record of driving growth across sectors, makes him a valuable addition. We are confident that his insights and guidance will significantly enrich the Board’s deliberations and contribute meaningfully to the Company’s long-term success”.
3. Retirement of the Chairman of the Board of Directors – Mr. Hezekiah Sola Oyinlolo
The Company announces the retirement of Mr. Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola, Chairman of the Board since the Company’s establishment. A distinguished leader with deep institutional insight, Mr. Oyinlola’s legacy is imprinted in the strength, structure, and strategic direction of the Company. His stewardship fostered a high-performance board culture and a governance framework that continues to support the creation of long-term value for stakeholders. The Board and Management are profoundly grateful for his leadership and guidance and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.
4. Appointment of a new Chairman of the Board of Directors – Mr Suleiman Barau
Following the retirement of Mr. Oyinlola as Chairman, the Board announce the appointment of Mr. Suleiman Barau as the new Chairman of the Board, subject to the approval of the CBN. Mr. Barau brings to the role his experience as a two-term Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Prior to that, he served as a Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, where he was involved in significant reforms of the banking and financial services industry, particularly in banking, payments, and monetary policies. The Board is confident that under Mr. Barau’s guidance. GTCO will continue to thrive, innovate and deliver superior value to all stakeholders.
Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said: “We are honoured to have Mr. Suleiman Barau assume the role of Chairman. His deep regulatory experience and proven leadership within the financial sector will be instrumental in guiding the Board’s oversight as we execute our strategic intent. His appointment reflects our commitment to good governance and sustainable growth.”
GTCO affirmed that these transitions are aligned with its commitment to diversity, board effectiveness, and global best practices in corporate governance.
