On June 1, 2024, Adaora Umeoji will become the new Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, replacing Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term ends on May 31, 2024. Zenith Bank announced this on its website on March March 19th 2024.

The appointment is a historic moment as Adaora Umeoji becomes the first female GMD/CEO since the bank’s inception in May 1990.

According to the bank’s statement, “Her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.”

Adaora Umeoji has almost thirty years of experience in banking. She previously served as the deputy managing director of the bank, a role she assumed in October 2016. She has been with the bank for nearly twenty-six years.

Early Life and Education

•Dr. Adaora’s journey began in Jos Nigeria

• She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Jos, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a first-class honours degree in law from Baze University, Abuja.

•She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.

• She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA.

•Umeoji is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where she attended the Advanced Management Programme, and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program.

Dr. Adaora’s Professional Ascension

•Umeoji has been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016 and has close to 30 years of banking experience of which 26 years has been with Zenith Bank.
Adaora Umeoji, founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.

Chart Success In Leadership

• Umeoji being the first female to be appointed as GMD of the bank effective June 1, 2024
• Dame Adaora Umeoji stands as a shining example of empowerment and leadership and as a role model for aspiring individuals worldwide.

•Despite her accomplishments, Adaora Umeoji emphasizing the importance of humility and focus on one’s mission.