Who is Adaora Umeoji?
Adaora Umeoji is a Nigerian banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is the first female Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zenith Bank. Although Dr Adaora was appointed as GMD on March 19, 2024, she will take up the new role from June 1, 2024. Umeoji will replace Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose term as MD will end on May 31, 2024.
According to reports, Adaora, aka Ada Zenith, has a 30-year career in the banking sector. Before her appointment as GMD, she has been serving as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 2016.
Adaora Umeoji’s full name is Dame Adaora Remy Umeoji. She was born on February 8 in Aguata, Anambra State. However, the age and year of birth of Adaora Umeoji remain unclear. While some reports claim that she is currently in her 50s, others say she is in her late 40s.
About Adaora Umeoji’s parents
According to reports gathered by DNB Stories Africa, Adaora Umeoji’s parents are Andy Umeoji (father) and Lady Ngozi Umeoji (mother). Although the banker’s parents have both passed on, they were strong political figures in Anambra State.
Ada Zenith’s mother, who was a teacher and philanthropist, died in February 2022. Lady Ngozi tragically passed away just 24 hours after donating food and cash to widows in her community.
About Adaora Umeoji’s siblings
Adaora Umeoji reportedly has 7 siblings, including an older brother, Chukwuma Umeoji. Adaora’s brother is a lawmaker representing the Aguata Federal Constituency in Anambra State.
Further information about Adaora Umeoji’s siblings and parents is currently scarce in the media.
About Adaora Umeoji’s education and career
Before becoming the Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Umeoji was the Deputy Managing Director of the bank from October 28, 2016. She has almost thirty years of banking experience, twenty-six of which were spent with Zenith Bank.
Dr. Umeoji is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and Columbia Business School’s Global Banking Program. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and a first-class honours degree in Law from Baze University, Abuja. She also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, UK, an MBA from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.
She has completed management programs at renowned universities, including MIT Sloan School of Management and Wharton Business School. She also holds certifications from Harvard Business School in Strategic Management and Leading Global Business.
Dr. Umeoji is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. In 2022, the Nigerian Federal Government honoured her with the Officer of the Order of the Niger for her contributions to the country. She is also a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
Dr. Umeoji is known for her philanthropy through the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation, both of which she founded. These organizations focus on cancer patient support and education for underprivileged children, particularly girls. The Sun Newspaper recognized her humanitarian work with the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.
She founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) to promote ethical banking and service to humanity. She is also a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and was awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Francis.
About Adaora Umeoji’s family and kids
Adaora Umeoji is a married woman. Not much is known about Adaora Umeoji’s husband and children as she prefers to keep her personal life and marriage out of the media.
