Adaora Umeoji Breaks Barriers as Zenith Bank’s New CEO

Adaora Umeoji Breaks Barriers as Zenith Bank’s New CEO:  Zenith Bank has made a historic appointment by naming Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its first female Group Managing Director and

Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO). The announcement was made via a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited,

signifying a significant milestone for gender diversity in the banking sector. Effective June 1, 2024, Dr. Umeoji will assume her new role,

succeeding Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure as GMD/CEO concludes on May 31, 2024.

With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in the banking industry, including 26 years of service at Zenith Bank, Dr. Umeoji brings

a formidable skill set to her new position. She previously served as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016,

demonstrating her leadership capabilities within the organization.

the academic background

Dr. Umeoji’s academic background is equally impressive, boasting degrees and certifications from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School,

Columbia Business School, and the University of Salford. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and a First-Class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja. Additionally, she holds a Master of Laws from the University of

Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in business administration from Apollos

University, USA.

Furthermore, Dr. Umeoji is a fellow of esteemed professional bodies such as the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria,

and the Nigerian Institute of Management, among others. Her commitment to ethical banking and service to humanity is evident through her founding of the

Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN). In recognition of her contributions to nation-building, she was honored by the Nigerian government with the title of Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) in 2022.