Adaora Umeoji is poised to make history as Zenith Bank’s first female Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), stepping into the role on June 1, 2024, succeeding Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term concludes on May 31, 2024.
With nearly three decades of banking experience under her belt, Ms. Umeoji has been serving as the bank’s deputy managing director since October 2016. Her appointment underscores Zenith Bank’s commitment to internal promotion and highlights its robust succession plan. Let’s delve deeper into Ms. Umeoji’s background and qualifications.
Education
Adaora Umeoji’s academic journey is nothing short of impressive. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees—one in Sociology from the University of Jos and another in Accounting from Baze University, where she graduated with First-Class Honors in Law. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Laws from the University of Salford in the UK.
Continuing her quest for knowledge, she pursued a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar and later obtained a doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University in the USA. Ms. Umeoji’s thirst for learning also led her to earn a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management and complete executive programs in Strategic Management and Leading Global Business at Harvard Business School. She rounded off her academic pursuits with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School.
Fellowships and Professional Memberships
Ms. Umeoji’s expertise is recognized through various prestigious fellowships, showcasing her commitment to excellence across different domains:
- Chartered Banker Institute (UK) and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria: Demonstrating her extensive knowledge and experience in banking practices globally.
- Nigerian Institute of Management: Highlighting her leadership skills and qualifications.
- Institute of Credit Administration: Signifying her expertise in credit analysis and risk management.
- Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria: Showcasing her proficiency in accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators: Reflecting her training in conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria: Indicating her expertise in corporate governance and administration.
Honors and Awards
In recognition of her contributions to the nation, Ms. Umeoji was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2022. Additionally, she was designated as a Peace Advocate (UN-POLAC) by the United Nations, underscoring her dedication to peaceful resolutions. Her philanthropic endeavors have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the Humanitarian Service Icon Award presented to her by the Sun Newspaper in 2023.
Philanthropic Activities: Ms. Umeoji’s philanthropic zeal is evident through her involvement in two impactful organizations: The Pink Breathe Cancer Care Foundation and the Adorable Foundation. The Pink Breathe Cancer Care Foundation focuses on healthcare initiatives, organizing programs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to provide essential medical care to those battling cancer and other illnesses. The Adorable Foundation spearheads intervention initiatives, delivering relief materials and offering free healthcare services to internally displaced persons nationwide.
