Adaora Umeoji Biography
On June 1, 2024, Adaora Umeoji will take over as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc. She will be replacing Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term as CEO will end on May 31, 2024. Zenith Bank announced this today in a statement on its website....CONTINUE READING
The appointment marks a historic moment as Adaora Umeoji becomes the first female GMD/CEO since the inception of the bank in May 1990. According to the bank’s statement “her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.”
Adaora Umeoji has nearly thirty years of experience in banking, having previously served as the deputy managing director of the bank, a role she assumed in October 2016. She has also been with the bank for close to twenty-six years.
Who is Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji?
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON is a renowned Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC). She holds the distinguished title of Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and is honored as a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester. Notably, Zenith Bank has recently appointed Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO).
Adaora Umeoji’s Husband
Adaora Umeoji is married to the Nwokoye family in Achalla of Awka North. However, the name of Adaora Umeoji’s husband has not been disclosed to the public.
Is Adaora Umeoji Married?
Yes, Adaora Umeoji is indeed married.
Adaora Umeoji Education
Her educational background is equally impressive. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, Plateau State, followed by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar in 2003.
Prior to her current role as Executive Director overseeing the Abuja and Middle Belt Zones, Ms. Umeoji served as the Executive Director in charge of Public Sector, covering Abuja, North, Middle Belt, and South-East Zones. Her expertise in executive management is unparalleled, with significant contributions to the bank’s profitability.
Ms. Umeoji‘s commitment to continuous learning is evident through her participation in various offshore management programs, including the prestigious Harvard Business School and the Wharton Business School. She is also a member of several esteemed professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Adaora Umeoji’s Age
Adaora Umeoji is currently 43 years old.
Where is Adaora Umeoji From?
The specific details regarding Adaora Umeoji’s birthplace or hometown have not been disclosed publicly yet.
Adaora Umeoji Biography Wikipedia | Her Profile
Ms Umeoji is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School where she attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a First-Class honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja. 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 also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.
The GMD-designate holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA.
She also attended the executive program in Strategic Management and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.
Ms Umeoji 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.
In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured her with Officer of the Order of the Niger, as a recognition of her contributions to nation-building. She is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
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 for Cancer patients and indigent children education, especially the Girl-Child.
Her contribution to humanity was recognized by the Sun Newspaper which recently bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.
As a result of her passion for promoting professionalism in the banking industry and improving the well-being of the less privileged, Ms Umeoji founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.
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.
Things to Know About the First Female GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji
Groundbreaking Appointment:
Dr. Adaora Umeoji’s appointment as the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first female to hold this esteemed position in the bank’s history.
Experience and Expertise:
With nearly thirty years of distinguished banking experience, including twenty-six years at Zenith Bank, Dr. Umeoji brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Deputy Managing Director of the bank.
Educational Background:
Dr. Umeoji holds multiple degrees and certifications from prestigious institutions worldwide. She is an alumna of Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, University of Salford, and University of Calabar, among others.
Professional Affiliations:
She is a fellow of several notable professional bodies, including the Chartered Banker Institute (UK), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and Nigerian Institute of Management, among others.
Recognition and Awards:
In 2022, Dr. Umeoji was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria for her outstanding contributions to nation-building. She has also received numerous awards for her philanthropic endeavors and humanitarian efforts.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work:
Dr. Umeoji is deeply involved in philanthropic activities through her NGOs, including the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation. She is passionate about educating and supporting cancer patients and indigent children, particularly the Girl-Child.
The Pink Breath Cancer Care Foundation runs several healthcare programs every year across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These programs aim to provide crucial medical care to people living with cancer and other illnesses. She also donates relief materials and offers free healthcare to internally displaced persons all over the country through various intervention initiatives
Advocacy and Leadership:
She founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) to promote ethical banking practices and service to humanity. Dr. Umeoji’s commitment to professionalism and social responsibility has earned her widespread recognition.
International Accolades:
Dr. Umeoji’s dedication to service extends beyond Nigeria, as evidenced by her appointment as a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC) and her recognition as a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI).
Papal Recognition:
She was awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by His Holiness Pope Francis in acknowledgment of her exemplary leadership and contributions to society.
Fellowships and Professional Memberships:
Adaora Umeoji is an outstanding professional with a range of prestigious fellowships to her name. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute in the United Kingdom, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Credit Administration, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria.
