Zenith Bank Plc on Tuesday, announced the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji as the new Group Managing Director/Chief Executive officer, (GMD/CEO) effective from June 1, 2024.
Umeoji is the first female GMD/CEO since the inception of the fanacial insitution.
This latest development comes subject to the approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),
Umeoji will be taking over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term elapses on May 31, 2024. Prior to this appointment, she was the Bank’s Deputy Managing Director since October 28, 2016.
Below is a brief profile;
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON, is the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc with over 20 years cognate banking and broad executive management experience, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON rose through the ranks to her current position.
She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School; she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a first-class honours in Law from Baze University Abuja. She also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar. She is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, a graduate of the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School and she holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA. Her dissertation was on inspirational leadership and her findings have been recognized as a major contribution to leadership and people management.
She attended the strategic thinking and management programme at Wharton Business School, USA, holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Management Sloan School and a Certificate in Leading Global Businesses from Harvard Business School, USA.
She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Bankers Institute of London, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Meditators & Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria, among others.
She has presented lead papers at major academic conferences and symposia. She was a keynote speaker at the Zenith Global Economic Forum held in New York City, USA where she delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Financing Growth Drivers in the Nigerian Economy.
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON has at different times participated in high-level Bankers’ meetings with impactful contributions towards the advancement of the banking industry, national economic growth and development. She has delivered several motivational speeches at strategic sessions aimed at mentoring youths and managers, especially banking professionals.
Beyond banking, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON supports research and learning on inspirational leadership, mentorship, talent development, collaboration, change and adaptability, strategic thinking, innovation and creativity, amongst others.
She promotes the Pink Breath Cancer Care Foundation which supports several healthcare programs within the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
She has won numerous awards for excellence and creativity in management. Her contribution towards improving humanity has been recognized by various organizations including the Nigerian Red Cross.
As a result of her passion for promoting professionalism in the banking industry and improving the well-being of the less privileged, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC), and a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and was recently awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by His Holiness Pope Francis.
In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured her with Officer of the Order of the Niger, as a recognition of her contributions to nation building.
