Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has announced the appointment of Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The appointment, disclosed in a statement signed by the company secretary, Michael Otu, and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone for the bank. Dr. Umeoji will assume her new role effective June 1, 2024, succeeding the current GMD, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure expires on May 31, 2024.
Dr. Umeoji’s appointment is notable as she becomes the first female GMD/CEO in the history of Zenith Bank. The decision reflects the bank’s commitment to executive transition, succession planning, and cultivating leadership talent from within its ranks.
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, bringing nearly three decades of banking experience to her new role, with 26 years specifically spent at Zenith Bank.
Dr. Umeoji is a distinguished alumna of prestigious institutions, holding certificates from Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School, where she completed programmes in Advanced Management and Global Banking respectively. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Accounting, as well as a first-class honours degree in Law from Baze University, Abuja.
Furthermore, Dr. Umeoji has pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident through her participation in management programmes at esteemed universities worldwide, including MIT Sloan School of Management and Wharton Business School.