GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR / CEO

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON, is the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc.

With nearly three decades of cognate banking experience and over 20 years of extensive executive management expertise in Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON has established herself as one of the leading figures within the banking sector. She is the Chairperson of Zenith Nominees Limited and She sits on the board of Zenith Bank (Ghana) Plc as a non-executive director.

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is an alumna of the prestigious Harvard Business School, where she completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) and Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and a First-Class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar. Her academic and professional pursuits culminated in a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA, with research focused on inspirational leadership which has been recognized for its significant contribution to leadership and people management.

Her commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence is demonstrated by her participation in executive management programs at esteemed institutions worldwide, including the MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, where she acquired a certificate in Economics for Business, Harvard Business School, USA with certificates in Leading Global businesses and the executive program in Strategic Management, and Wharton Business School with a Certificate in the Strategic Thinking and Management for competitive advantage program. Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is a Certificated Professional Banker of the Chartered Banker Institute, and a distinguished fellow of numerous professional bodies, including the Chartered Bankers Institute of London, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Institute of Credit Administration, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Meditators & Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria among others.

Throughout her career, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji has delivered keynote speeches and lead papers at prestigious academic conferences and symposia, influencing discussions on financial growth drivers and inspirational leadership. She has actively contributed to high-level bankers’ meetings, driving impactful strategies for the advancement of the banking industry and national economic growth. Passionate about mentoring and youth empowerment, she has delivered motivational speeches aimed at nurturing future banking professionals and leaders.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is deeply committed to philanthropy and service to humanity. She founded the Pink Breath Cancer Care Foundation which educates, supports cancer patients, and promotes healthcare programs across Nigeria, and established the Adorable Foundation with a focus on educating and providing for indigent children, particularly the Girl-Child. Her humanitarian efforts have garnered recognition from esteemed organizations, including the Nigerian Red Cross and the Sun Newspaper which recently honored her with the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji’s commitment to ethical banking led her to institute the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN). She is also recognized as a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UNPOLAC) and a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI). Her advocacy efforts were further acknowledged by His Holiness Pope Francis, who conferred on her the Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester.

In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored Dr. Umeoji with Officer of the Order of the Niger, as a recognition of her contributions to nation building which highlights her dedication to the sustainable development of the country.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mrs. Adobi Stella Nwapa holds a Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in History from Imo State University, a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Strayer University, Houston-Texas, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Jack Welch Management Institute and an honorary doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Abia State University.

She has attended several local and international courses and programmes, including Leading Change and Organisational Renewal (Harvard Business School), Key Executive Programme (Harvard Business School), World Finance/Winning Negotiation Strategies (HSM Americas), Developing Strategies for Value Creation (London Business School) and the Senior Management Programme (Lagos Business School).

She is a Fellow of several institutes, including the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), the Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (ICMA) and the Institute of Management Specialists (IMS), United Kingdom. She is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB).

Mrs. Nwapa comes to the board of Zenith Bank Plc with over thirty years’ cognate experience in banking, being a pioneer staff of the Bank since 1990. She has held several senior management positions in the Bank, including business development and branch and zonal management, and treasury. Until her appointment as Executive Director, she was General Manager and Group Zonal Head of Ikoyi Zone as well as Group Head of Diaspora Banking.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Adamu Saliu Lawani is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over three decades of cognate banking industry experience. An alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, Nigeria, he graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Accounting, achieving distinction. He holds an MBA from both the University of Lagos, Nigeria and The Business School in the Netherlands.

Mr. Lawani joined Zenith Bank in 1996 and has experience in operations, credit and marketing.

He has held leadership positions in various groups such as Corporate Banking, Conglomerate, Consumer Credit Department, Export and Trade Finance Department and Agriculture Finance Department, among others. His contributions have significantly enhanced the bank's growth and profitability.

Committed to continuous professional development, he has participated in Executive Education programmes at prestigious institutions, including the London Business School, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD Business School, France, and Lagos Business School.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management, Fellow of Chartered Institute of Strategic Management, an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

CHIEF RISK OFFICER

Mr. Felix Egbon is the Chief Risk Officer of the bank. He is a General Manager (GM) and currently the Group Head, Risk Management Group of the bank.

He participated in the establishment of a robust Risk Management function in the bank.

Mr. Egbon joined the services of the bank in May 2006 with responsibility for branch coordination and subsequently Internal Control and Audit and was responsible for review and enforcement of the bank’s procedures, controls and policies in branches bankwide.

He is a fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), honorary member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Senior member, Risk Management Association of Nigeria.

Prior to his engagement with Zenith Bank, he had worked with Pricewaterhouse Cooppers as Audit Senior, Auditing and Business Advisory Services; United Bank for Africa Plc as the Principal Manager in charge of branch coordination, internal control and Audit responsible for review and enforcement of procedures, controls and policies in the bank branches.