Meet Dame Adaora Umeoji, Zenith Bank’s First Female CEO

Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has made history with the appointment of Dame Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2024, pending approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This significant move follows the end of Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu’s successful five-year tenure as the bank’s CEO. Dame Adaora Umeoji’s appointment marks a groundbreaking moment as she becomes the first female GMD/CEO since the establishment of Zenith Bank.

With nearly three decades of extensive banking experience, including 26 years of dedicated service at Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji is a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry. Her journey within the bank saw her rise to the position of Deputy Managing Director in October 2016, demonstrating her exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to excellence.

Dame Adaora Umeoji’s educational background is equally impressive, with qualifications from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and the University of Salford, among others. As a distinguished alumna of various prestigious programs and a recipient of numerous professional accolades, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) conferred by the Federal Government of Nigeria, she epitomizes excellence in both academia and professional practice.

Beyond her remarkable achievements in banking, Dame Adaora Umeoji is deeply committed to philanthropy and humanitarian causes. Through her NGOs, Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation, she has impacted countless lives by providing support to cancer patients, promoting education for indigent children, and advocating for the empowerment of women. Her unwavering dedication to social responsibility and ethical banking practices is further underscored by her role as the founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN).

As a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester bestowed by His Holiness Pope Francis, Dame Adaora Umeoji exemplifies integrity, compassion, and service to humanity. Her appointment as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank heralds a new era of visionary leadership and strategic innovation, positioning the bank for continued growth, sustainability, and positive impact in Nigeria’s financial landscape.