Zenith Bank names Adaora Umeoji as its inaugural female CEO

YEPS
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Zenith Bank Plc has unveiled its historic appointment of Dr. Adaora Umeoji as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), effective June 1 pending approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Dr. Umeoji assumes this esteemed role following the illustrious tenure of Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term culminates on May 31.

Breaking new ground, Dr. Umeoji emerges as the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s esteemed history, a testament to the institution’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and progressive leadership. Her appointment aligns seamlessly with the bank’s tradition of executive transition, succession planning, and the strategic cultivation of leaders from within its ranks.

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, amassing nearly three decades of distinguished banking experience, of which 26 years were dedicated to Zenith Bank’s journey of excellence.

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Dr. Umeoji’s academic pedigree is adorned with accolades from renowned institutions worldwide. She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program (AMP) and Columbia Business School, where she earned a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, along with bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Law, both with first-class honors from Baze University, Abuja, she furthered her academic pursuits with a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, UK, and an MBA from the University of Calabar. Her quest for knowledge led her to obtain a doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA.

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Dr. Umeoji’s commitment to professional excellence is underscored by her affiliations with esteemed bodies such as the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, and others. Her outstanding contributions to nation-building were recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2022, with the conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award. She further received accolades from the Sun Newspaper, which bestowed upon her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023, in acknowledgment of her philanthropic endeavors through NGOs like the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation.

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Driven by her commitment to ethical banking and service to humanity, Dr. Umeoji founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), advocating for professionalism and social responsibility in the banking sector. Her dedication to noble causes extends to her role as a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and her recognition as a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Francis.

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As Dr. Umeoji assumes her new role at the helm of Zenith Bank, she stands poised to lead with distinction, steering the institution towards greater heights of success, innovation, and societal impact.

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