Who is Dame Adaora Umeoji, Zenith Bank’s First Female CEO 

Dame Adaora Umeoji made history as the first female Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of Zenith Bank Plc, with her appointment taking effect from June 1, 2024, pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Her ascension to this prestigious position marks a significant milestone in the bank’s history and highlights the progressive strides being made towards gender diversity in the Nigerian banking sector.

Adaora Umeoji’s background and career in banking

Adaora Umeoji hails from Anambra State in the Eastern part of Nigeria. She embarked on her academic journey at the University of Jos, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. 

Her thirst for knowledge led her to further studies, resulting in a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a First-Class Honours degree in Law from Baze University, Abuja.

With a career spanning over three decades, Umeoji has dedicated the majority of her professional life to the banking industry. She joined Zenith Bank 26 years ago and has held various leadership positions, most notably serving as the Deputy Managing Director since October 28, 2016. 

Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the banking sector have been instrumental in her rise to the top.

Her advocacy and recognition

A notable advocate for ethical banking, Umeoji founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), promoting integrity and humanitarian service within the financial sector. 

Her efforts in peace advocacy have earned her recognition from the United Nations (UN-POLAC) and the prestigious Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) national honor from the Nigerian government in 2022.

Her academic achievements

Adaora Umeoji is a lifelong learner with an impressive array of academic credentials. She holds a Master’s of Laws from the University of Salford, UK, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA. 

Her commitment to education is further evidenced by her completion of executive programs in Strategic Management at Harvard Business School and the Global Banking Program at Columbia Business School.

Umeoji is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Banker Institute (UK), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, among others. 

These memberships reflect her commitment to professional development and her standing in the financial industry.