Adaora Umeoji (born 8 February 1976) is a Nigerian business executive, appointed as GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, taking office in June 2024.[1][2][3]

Adaora Umeoji
Born
Adaora Umeoji

(1976-02-08) 8 February 1976 (age 48)
Nigeria
Alma mater
Occupations
  • Banker
  • entrepreneur
Years active1995–present
Known forZenith Bank PLC executive

Early life and education

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Umeoji obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Jos, and another Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Baze University, Abuja.[4] She completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School, United States and earned a Certificate in the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School, United States.[5]

She received her Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar. She also holds a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University.[6] Additionally, Umeoji earned a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management, and completed the strategic thinking and management programme at Wharton Business School.[5]

Career

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Umeoji was appointed as the Group Managing Direct and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank PLC in June 2024.[1][2] Prior to her appointment as GMD/CEO, Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank from 28 October 2016, until 31 May 2024.[7][2][8] On 9 October 2012, Umeoji was appointed to the Board of Zenith Bank, further solidifying her position as a key leader within the organization. As a board member, she contributed valuable insights and expertise, helping to shape the bank's strategic direction and drive sustainable growth.[9]

Achievements and recognition

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  • Recognised as a peace advocate by the United Nations (UN-POLAC), she received the Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) national honour from the Nigerian government in 2022.
  • In 2023, Umeoji received The Humanitarian Services Icon of the Year Award at The Sun Awards for her philanthropic works and commitment to improving the lives of less privileged persons.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Zenith Bank appoints Adaora Umeoji as first female CEO". Vanguard News. 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Abimbola, Oluwakemi (19 March 2024). "JUST IN: Zenith Bank appoints first female GMD, Umeoji". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  3. ^ Release, Press (19 March 2024). "Zenith Bank appoints Adaora Umeoji as GMD/CEO". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  4. ^ Aro, Busola (19 March 2024). "Adaora Umeoji becomes first female CEO of Zenith Bank". TheCable. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  5. ^ a b Ogwu, Sunday Michael (19 March 2024). "Zenith Bank appoints first female Group Managing Director". Daily Trust. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Zenith Bank Plc elevates Dr. Adora Remy Umeoji, to serve as new Group Managing Director". The Government and Business Journal. 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Adaora Remy Umeoji, Zenith Bank PLC: Profile and Biography". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  8. ^ Diala, Sam (12 July 2023). "BREAKING: Adaora Returns As Zenith DMD, Others To Follow As CBN Revises Policy On Tenure Of Executive Management And Non-Executive Directors of Banks". THEWILL NEWS MEDIA - Nigeria News, Nigeria Politics, Breaking News. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  9. ^ Nwachukwu, Iheanyi (19 March 2024). "Adaora Umeoji becomes first female Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank". Businessday NG. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Zenith Bank DMD, Adaora Umeoji, Recognised as Humanitarian Services Icon of the Year 2023 at the Sun Awards". Zenithbank.com. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.