Zenith Bank Appoints Its First Female GMD/CEO, Adaora Umeoji

Adaora Umeoji has been appointed as Zenith Bank’s GMD/CEO.

Zenith Bank has appointed Dr Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO).

With her appointment, she becomes the first female to occupy the position at the bank

Her appointment takes effect on June 4, 2024.

Recall that Umeoji was re-appointed as Zenith Bank’s Deputy Managing Director in July 2023 after her retirement.

Umeoji, who has over 20 years of experience in banking, will replace Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year tenure elapses on May 31, 2024.

Here are some things to know about her.

1. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar.

2. She also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar. Also, she has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.

3. Umeoji is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, with certifications in the Advanced Management Program (AMP), and Leading Global Businesses Program. She also has a certificate in Strategic thinking and management from the Wharton Business School, Pennsylvania, USA.

4. She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria among others.

5. Dr. Umeoji was honoured with an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a recognition of her contributions to nation-building.

6. She is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).

7. She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs; Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation, which educates and caters to cancer patients and indigent children, especially the girl-child.

8. Her contribution to humanity was recognized by the Sun Newspaper, which recently bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.

9. She is the founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.

10. She is a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and was awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by His Holiness Pope Francis.