Adaora Umeoji Appointed As Zenith Bank GMD/CEO, Effective June 1
Zenith Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria renowned for its profitability, has made a historic announcement on Tuesday, revealing the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, as its new Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Umeoji’s appointment, slated to commence on June 1, 2024, is contingent upon approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). She will take over the reins from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose successful five-year tenure culminates on May 31, 2024.
In a statement released by the bank, it was disclosed that Dr. Adaora Umeoji is set to become the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s history. Her elevation aligns with the institution’s tradition of executive transition, succession planning, and the strategic cultivation of leaders from within its ranks.
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, amassing nearly three decades of banking experience, with twenty-six of those years dedicated to Zenith Bank.
Her academic achievements are extensive, including credentials from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, University of Salford (UK), University of Calabar, and Apollos University (USA). She holds multiple degrees spanning sociology, accounting, law, business administration, and economics, complemented by certificates from esteemed institutions like MIT Sloan School of Management and Wharton Business School.
Dr. Umeoji’s professional affiliations underscore her commitment to excellence, with memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Chartered Banker Institute (UK), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, and several others.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions to nation-building, Dr. Umeoji was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2022. Additionally, her humanitarian endeavors through NGOs like the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation have garnered acclaim, including the Humanitarian Service Icon Award from the Sun Newspaper in 2023.
Driven by her passion for ethical banking and social responsibility, Dr. Umeoji founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) to promote professionalism and service to humanity within the banking sector.
Furthermore, her dedication to philanthropy and community service has earned her distinctions such as being a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and receiving the Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester from Pope Francis.
Dr. Adaora Umeoji’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Zenith Bank’s history, being the first female GMD/CEO of the bank; reflecting both her exceptional qualifications and the institution’s commitment to diversity, excellence, and ethical leadership in the banking industry.
