Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a groundbreaking announcement today, Zenith Bank Plc revealed that Adaora Umeoji is set to assume the role of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2024. This move marks a significant shift as Umeoji becomes the first female to lead the bank since its establishment in 1990, succeeding Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year tenure ends on May 31, 2024.
The decision, outlined in a statement on the bank’s website, underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to internal talent development and succession planning. Umeoji, with nearly three decades of banking experience, including her tenure as deputy managing director since October 2016, is poised to steer the bank into its next phase of growth and innovation.
A distinguished professional, Umeoji boasts an impressive educational background, having earned degrees and certificates from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, University of Jos, Baze University, University of Salford, University of Calabar, and Apollos University. She has also completed executive programs at MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Business School.
Umeoji’s professional accolades include fellowships from prestigious institutions such as the Chartered Banker Institute, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria.
In addition to her exemplary career, Umeoji is known for her philanthropic endeavors. She is the founder of two organizations, the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and Adorable Foundation, through which she champions healthcare initiatives and provides support to vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons.
Umeoji’s contributions to society have earned her numerous honors and awards, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger from the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2022 and recognition as a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
In 2023, she was bestowed with the Humanitarian Service Icon Award by the Sun Newspaper for her outstanding philanthropic efforts.
As Adaora Umeoji prepares to assume her new role at Zenith Bank, her appointment symbolizes a milestone in the banking industry and serves as an inspiration for women in leadership across Nigeria.