GTCO Board Reshuffle: Babatunde Soyoye Joins as Director, Helen Bouygues and Chairman Hezekiah Oyinlola Retire

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.

In a formal disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), GTCO confirmed the retirement of Mrs. Helen Bouygues, an Independent Non-Executive Director, and Mr. Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola, who has served as Chairman of the Board since the company’s inception. Simultaneously, the company announced the appointment of Mr. Babatunde Soyoye, a co-founder of Helios Investment Partners LLP, as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Bouygues Departs After Distinguished Service

Mrs. Bouygues, an American national, exits the board after contributing strategic insights and demonstrating a strong commitment to independent governance. The board praised her “dedication, independence, and strategic insights,” and expressed appreciation for her exemplary service.

Babatunde Soyoye Brings Global Investment Expertise

GTCO’s board will now be joined by Mr. Babatunde Soyoye, a seasoned investor with over three decades of experience, including 30 years in financial advisory and private equity. As Managing Partner at Helios Investment Partners, a UK-based investment firm specialising in African opportunities, Mr. Soyoye has led major transactions across sectors. His appointment has received regulatory clearance from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Commenting on the appointment, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, stated:

“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.”

Hezekiah Oyinlola Steps Down as Chairman

The most notable change is the retirement of Mr. Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola, who has chaired the GTCO board since its establishment. Widely respected for his institutional knowledge and leadership, Mr. Oyinlola is credited with nurturing a strong governance framework and fostering a high-performance board culture that has helped steer the company through its transformation into a holding company.

The Board expressed profound gratitude for his leadership and stated that his legacy remains embedded in the group’s structure and strategic vision.

GTCO’s post-restructuring board now includes Segun Agbaje (Group CEO), C. N. Echeozo, S. Barau, A. I. Adeniyi (Executive Director), and H. H. Lee Bouygues.

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