Zenith Bank PLC has appointed Dr Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), making her the first female to occupy the position in the bank.
According to the statement issued by the bank’s secretary, Michael Otu, her appointment is in tune with the bank’s tradition and succession strategy of grooming leaders from within.
It’s beautiful that the news of her promotion is making waves in March, which is women’s month. Her story is that of determination, doggedness and resilience.
Her CV is intimidating but her calm mien and cool disposition is a testament to her strength and tenacity in the banking sector in Nigeria.
Listed below are 12 things women should know about Adaora Umeoji:
1. She is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School where she attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP)
2. She’s also an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program.
3. Adaora Umeoji holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and a First-Class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja.
4. 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.
5. She 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.
6. Adaora Umeoji also attended the executive program in Strategic Management and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.
7. She 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.
8. In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored Dr. Adaora Umeoji with Officer of the Order of the Niger, as a recognition of her contributions to nation-building.
9. Umeoji was the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Zenith Bank from October 28, 2016.
10. She has over 30 years experience in banking, of which 26 years has been with Zenith Bank.
11. Adaora Umeoji is a peace advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
12. The new CEO is the founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.