Royal Exchange Plc has appointed Ikeme Osakwe as its new chairman. This is as the insurance company further strengthens its leadership team amid the ongoing repositioning exercise.

In notifications to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the organisation said Osakwe’s appointment followed the retirement of Kenny Odogwu with effect from January 22, 2026.

Addressing investors, shareholders, employees and other market participants, the new chairman described the board changes and ongoing restructuring as important steps in advancing Royal Exchange Plc’s strategic objectives, towards creating sustainable, improved results for all stakeholders.

Osakwe is a seasoned public and private sector financial management specialist with extensive experience in corporate governance and public finance. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oxford and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered

Accountants in England and Wales and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He currently serves on the boards of Oando Plc, among other organisations, and previously served on the Governing Board of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, where he chaired the Board Committee on Revenue and Finance. The board is confident that he will provide strong leadership in advancing the company’s strategic objectives and corporate governance standards.

Last year, the organisation appointed financial expert, Idu Okeahialam, as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as part of measures to strengthen its next growth phase.

Reaffirming its commitment, Idu said the group’s dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction remains steadfast, adding that new initiatives have been launched to boost strong long-term growth, including resuscitation of its trustee business.