In a historic moment for the Nigerian banking sector and Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Adaora Umeoji has been appointed as the new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc. This appointment is significant for the financial institution as Dr. Umeoji becomes the first female GMD/CEO in the bank’s history.
In a statement by Michael Otu, Zenith Bank’s secretary, Dr. Umeoji’s appointment was officially announced on Tuesday, 19th March 2024. According to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Dr. Umeoji succeeds Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure ends on May 31, 2024. She assumes office on the 1st of June, 2024.
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Dr. Umeoji’s appointment aligns with Zenith Bank’s executive succession plan and strategy of developing leaders internally and the bank’s commitment to fostering a culture of leadership, excellence, and inclusivity.
Before her appointment, Dr. Umeoji was the bank’s Deputy Managing Director. She has almost 30 years of banking experience, 26 of which were spent at Zenith Bank. Her new role benefits from her wealth of knowledge and strategic vision.
Dr. Umeoji’s impressive academic background highlights her qualifications for the position. She completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School and achieved a Certificate in the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and law with first-class honors from Baze University, Abuja.
She also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calabar. Additionally, she holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA. Dr. Umeoji has completed management programs at renowned universities worldwide, including the MIT Sloan School of Management and Wharton Business School in the USA.
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As Dr. Umeoji assumes her role as the new Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, she embodies a beacon of inspiration for women in leadership across Nigeria and beyond. Dr. Umeoji is poised to lead Zenith Bank to greater success in the dynamic banking space with her exceptional leadership acumen, unwavering dedication, and commitment to excellence.