Shareholders Excited as Umeoji Emerges GMD/CE Designate of Zenith Bank
Kayode Tokede
Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc yesterday, expressed excitement following the emergence of Dr. Adeora Umeoji as Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive designate of the most profitable financial institution in Nigeria.
The bank in a filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday disclosed the appointment by the board of Directors, of Umeoji as the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank takes effect from June 1, 2024, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Umeoji is to take over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure expires on May 31, 2024.
The company secretary, Mr. Michael Otu in a signed statement stated that the appointment was consistent with the bank’s tradition and succession strategy of grooming leaders from within.
Commenting, the National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, said the appointment of Umeoji was a reflection of the board’s succession plans.
He said, “Dr. Umeoji has been in the banking system for years. She has all the experience to operate the bank in profitability and I am sure she will continue on the trajectory Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu built during his five-year tenure.
“She has all it takes to grow shareholders’ return, grow the balance sheet of Zenith Bank and improve on profits. I know she has all it takes to strengthen the bank further since she was the former deputy managing director of the bank.”
Also, the President Pragmatic Shareholders Association, Mrs. Bisi Bakare said the appointment was a welcome development to the growth of Zenith bank.
“As investors, we are happy about the appointment and seeing the bank transparent in its gender equality with a female in top management position,” she added.
Prior to this appointment, Umeoji had been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016, and has close to 30 years of cognate banking experience of which 26 years has been with Zenith Bank.
