Dame Mrs. Adaora Umeoji, OON

Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, made history in June 2024 as the first female Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, rising through nearly three decades of banking experience to lead one of Nigeria’s most important financial institutions.

Her tenure has been marked by exceptional financial performance and strategic expansion. Zenith Bank became the first Nigerian bank to record profit after tax above ₦1 trillion and subsequently achieved another profit after tax above the ₦1 trillion mark. Under her leadership, the bank also completed a ₦614.65 billion capital-raising exercise, expanded its international footprint and crossed the ₦5 trillion market-capitalisation threshold.

Her leadership has also placed strong emphasis on people and institutional development. Staff promotions, human-capital investment, digital transformation and international expansion have formed part of the bank’s strategy under her stewardship, while her philanthropic interests include healthcare, peace advocacy, girl-child education and women’s empowerment.

Umeoji’s significance extends beyond financial results. Her rise to the top of one of Nigeria’s largest banks represents a milestone for women in corporate leadership and demonstrates the impact of sustained professional excellence within an institution.

The Daily Times of Nigeria honours Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, as Person of the Year for exceptional corporate leadership, historic advancement of women in executive leadership, strong financial performance and her contribution to inclusive growth and human development.