By Ken Afor
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its incoming Group Managing Director (GMD), effective from June 1, 2024.
With her appointment, Dr. Umeoji becomes the first female Managing Director of Zenith Bank, adding to the growing number of female bank MDs in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Mr. Michael Otu and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, Dr. Umeoji will succeed the current GMD, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure concludes on May 31.
“Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is the first female GMDCEO since the inception of the bank, and her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within,” part of the statement read.
Dr. Umeoji joins the likes of Mrs. Yemisi Edun, MD of First City Monument Bank Limited, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Oluwatomi Ayodele Somefunas of Unity Bank PLC, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, MD of Guaranty Trust Bank, among others.
Prior to her recent appointment, Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, amassing nearly 30 years of banking experience, with 26 years dedicated to Zenith Bank.
Dr. Umeoji’s educational background is impressive, including alumni status from Harvard Business School, where she completed the Advanced Management Programme, and Columbia Business School, where she earned a Certificate in the Global Banking Program.
She holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology from the University of Jos, accounting, and first-class honours in law from Baze University, Abuja. Additionally, she possesses a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.
She also earned a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and participated in various management programs globally, including the strategic thinking and management program at Wharton Business School, USA.
Zenith Bank is renowned for its substantial assets and membership in the exclusive club of banks with a market value exceeding N1 trillion.
