Zenith Bank Appoints Umeoji as New Group MD, Onyeagwu As Board Chair Zenith UK
Zenith Bank Plc, on Tuesday, appointed Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji as the Group Managing Director effective June 2024, making her the first female to lead the bank, where she currently serves as the deputy GMD.
The appointment of Adaora Umeoji as the next Group Managing Director and Chief Executive is with effect from June 1, 2024, subject to approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
She will become the first female GMD/CEO of the tier one bank.
Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, is the founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), is known for promoting ethical banking and humanitarian service.
Recognised as a peace advocate by the United Nations (UN-POLAC), she received the Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) national honour from the Nigerian government in 2022 for her nation-building efforts.
Umeoji brings over 30 years of banking experience, with 26 years at Zenith Bank, where she previously served as Deputy Managing Director since October 28, 2016.
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.
Her educational achievements also include a Master’s of Laws from the University of Salford, UK, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar.
Umeoji’s academic pursuits extend to a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA, and a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management, USA.
Dr. Adaora Umeoji has completed executive programmes in Strategic Management at Harvard Business School and attended the Global Banking Program at Columbia Business School.
Additionally, Umeoji participated in management programs at various renowned universities worldwide, including Wharton Business School, USA, and has a certificate in Leading Global Business from Harvard Business School.
Onyeagwu Appointed As Board Chair Zenith UK
She succeeds Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year tenure ends on May 31, 2024.
Available records show that Zenith Bank is also implementing its holdco structure with the current Group Managing Director, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu expected to be named as Chief Executive Officer after his 2-year cooling period as required by guidelines.
Dr Onyeagwu has however been appointed Chairman of the board of Zenith Bank United Kingdom.
Since his appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Onyeagwu has continued to lead the financial institution on a positive trajectory. This has seen Zenith Bank surpass its peers in all metrics with the bank carting away numerous awards.
Onyeagwu, a strategic thinker, an inspirational leader, and an energetic banker who possesses entrepreneurial skills, is a vastly experienced banker and financial expert.
He was trained in reputable institutions of learning in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and United States of America and has about 35 years industry experience.
