Zenith Bank has officially appointed Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO). This announcement was made public on Tuesday in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), confirmed by Michael Osilima, the bank’s secretary. Umeoji is set to assume her new role from June 1, 2024.
Profile of Adaora Umeoji
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji brings a wealth of experience and a rich academic background to her new position at Zenith Bank:
Educational Background
- Harvard Business School: Completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP).
- Columbia Business School: Earned a Certificate in Global Banking.
- University of Jos: Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.
- Baze University, Abuja: Achieved First-Class honors in Law.
- University of Salford, UK: Holds a Master of Laws degree.
- University of Calabar: Obtained a Master in Business Administration (MBA).
- Apollos University, USA: Earned a doctorate in Business Administration.
- MIT Sloan School of Management, USA: Completed a program in Economics for Business.
- Wharton Business School, USA: Participated in strategic thinking and management programs.
- Harvard Business School, USA: Completed an executive program in Strategic Management and a course in Leading Global Business.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
- Fellowships: Member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
- National Honor: Received the Officer of the Order of the Niger from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
- UN Peace Advocate: Serves as a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
Career and Contributions
- Banking Experience: Over 20 years in banking and executive management.
- Leadership and Research: Recognized for her work in inspirational leadership.
- Academic Contributions: Served as a keynote speaker at various academic conferences, including the Zenith Global Economic Forum in New York City, USA.
- Banking Industry Influence: Actively participated in high-level banking meetings, contributing to the industry and national economic growth.
- Mentorship and Motivational Speaking: Engaged in mentoring youths and banking professionals.
- Philanthropy: Supports healthcare programs and founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.
- Papal Recognition: Awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Francis.
