Biography of Umeoji, the first woman to head the bank
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Adaora Umeoji has been named Zenith Bank Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) effective June 1, the first woman to occupy the post, after three decades of experience in banking, 26 years of which she had in Zenith.
Her appointment, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), puts her in the growing number of female bank bosses in Africa’s largest economy.
Below are 17 things to know about Umeoji’s educational and professional background which provide a round picture of her.
Umeoji:
1. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Jos.
2. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, and first-class honours in law from Baze University, Abuja.
3. Has a Master’s degree in law from the University of Salford, United Kingdom.
4. Has a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar.
5. Joined Zenith Bank in 1998 and has headed its marketing group in the Maitama branch in Abuja and became deputy zonal head of the Abuja Zone.
6. Was executive director in charge of Abuja and Middle Belt Zones of the bank.
7. Was appointed to the board of Zenith Bank on 9 October 2012.
8. Is an alumna of Harvard Business School, United States.
9. Attended the strategic thinking and management program at Wharton Business School, United States.
10. Holds a certificate in economics for business from MIT Management Sloan School and a certificate in leading global businesses from Harvard Business School.
11. Is a fellow of professional bodies, including the Chartered Bankers Institute of London, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Meditators & Conciliators, and Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria, among others.
12. Founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.
13. Is a peace advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC), and a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI).
14. Founded Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation that educates and caters for cancer patients.
15. Founded Adorable Foundation that caters for indigent children education, especially girl children.
16. Was recently awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Francis.
17. The federal government honoured her with the Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) in 2022 is recognition of her contributions to nation building.
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