Innocent C. Ike

A seasoned expert in banking transformation, digital innovation, and investment strategy, he currently operates full-time in the Investment and Digital Banking spaces, bringing deep expertise in financial markets, corporate governance, and strategic business development.

Innocent served as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank Limited till October 2022, where he successfully led the transformation of the bank into a digitally driven financial institution. Under his leadership, Polaris Bank launched its flagship digital platform, VULTe, earning multiple national accolades, including Digital Bank of the Year (2021 till 2024) and MSME Bank of the Year (2022). His tenure also culminated in the seamless and successful divestment of the bank, marking a significant milestone in its corporate evolution.

Before becoming CEO, Innocent was the Executive Director, Technology and Services at Polaris Bank, responsible for revamping its technology infrastructure and service delivery model while overseeing the South-South and South-East directorates. His earlier roles include Executive Director at Keystone Bank Limited, where he managed the Lagos and West Directorate, and General Manager at Access Bank Plc., where he held various senior roles in commercial and corporate banking.

He began his banking career at GTBank Plc., where he served in Investment Banking, Commercial Banking and Banking Operations roles. Innocent is also a qualified Chartered Accountant, having trained at Deloitte, where he led audit and consulting assignments for major clients across sectors.

Innocent has served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Chairman of Skye Bank Gambia, MainOne Cable Company Limited, Unified Payments Systems Limited, and Pay Attitude Global Limited.

He graduated as the Best Graduating Student in Accounting from the University of Lagos and holds multiple prestigious professional qualifications. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), a Certified IFRS expert, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (ACIS), and an Authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

His global executive education includes programs at Oxford University (Said Business School), MIT Sloan School of Management, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and IMD Switzerland. A member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), Innocent continues to play a pivotal role in shaping investment strategies, driving digital transformation, and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders in Nigeria and beyond.

He is currently the Chairman of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Training (CENT) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).