Zenith Bank Plc has appointed Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, making her the first female to hold this position in the bank’s history. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the company secretary, Michael Otu, and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday.

Dr. Umeoji’s appointment will become effective on June 1, 2024, following the conclusion of Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu’s tenure as the current GMD on May 31, 2024. The statement highlighted that her selection aligns with the bank’s commitment to executive transition, succession planning, and the cultivation of leadership talent from within its ranks.

Prior to her elevation, Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, accumulating nearly three decades of banking experience, with 26 of those years dedicated to Zenith Bank. She boasts a robust educational background, having completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School and earned a Certificate in the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School.

Dr. Umeoji holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology from the University of Jos and in Accounting, as well as a first-class honors degree in Law from Baze University, Abuja. She furthered her studies with a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar. Additionally, she obtained a doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA.

Her pursuit of knowledge extends to prestigious institutions like MIT Sloan School of Management, where she received a Certificate in Economics for Business, and Wharton Business School, where she completed the Strategic Thinking and Management Program. Throughout her career, Dr. Umeoji has participated in various management programs at renowned universities worldwide, embodying a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.