On June 1st, 2024, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji etched her name in history when she officially assumed office as the first female Group Managing Director, GMD, and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of one of Nigeria’s top 5 tier 1 banks and the most profitable with a large profit, Zenith. Expectedly, Adaora’s elevation after the five-year term of Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, former GMD and CEO of Zenith Bank PLC, has generated quite a buzz among women and advocates of gender equality. It’s a big win for the women. Dame Umeoji is the new face of inspiration for women across the continent of Africa. Hailed as one of the most qualified to lead Zenith Bank PLC in its next phase of expansion, Dame Adaora came on stream with a reputation for excellence. For those who have followed her career trajectory, this quintessential banker possesses more than good genes and beauty. She’s an epitome of beauty. A first-class brain by every standard, Dame Adaora covered herself in glory as Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank PLC, a role she assumed in October 2016.
It is therefore fitting to say that Dame Adaora has proved her mettle in the banking sector, where she excels as a well-trained professional. This brilliant woman of grace has contributed significantly to the success story of Zenith since teaming up with the bank over two decades ago. Excellence is Umeoji’s second name. And it’s no shock that she has assumed the leadership of the most profitable bank in Nigeria. She’s built for the top. Best known for her bright personality, Dame Umeoji has repeatedly shown over the years that she has all that it takes to function at the highest level in the corporate world.
For anyone still in doubt about Dr. Umeoji’s capacity, here’s a brief profile of her educational credentials. An alumnus of the University of Jo’s, she bagged a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Dr. Umeoji has multiple degrees, including the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) from Harvard Business School and a Certificate in the Global Banking Programme, which she obtained from Columbia Business School. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a First-Class Honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja. As if that wasn’t enough, Dr. Umeoji also boasts a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA. Described as an exceedingly brilliant woman, the new Zenith Bank GMD/CEO also has a Certificate in Economics for Business from MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has completed executive programmes in strategic management and leading global business at Harvard Business School, USA.
No doubt, Dr. Umeoji has done well for herself and her bank’s image. Outside of the banking industry, Dr. Umeoji is also doing well on the home front, too. She is also actively involved in humanitarian causes via her non-governmental organisations, NGOs. A woman of grace and poise, Dr. Umeoji’s bright personality has won her a wide network of admirers from all walks of life. In her own words, “We look forward to a promising and bright future full of success for Zenith Bank and all our customers.” Truly, it’s women’s o’clock in the Nigerian corporate world. And Dame Umeoji is currently leading the pack of women shattering the glass ceiling in the male-dominated corporate world in Nigeria.