Zenith Bank Plc has appointed Kennedy Onuwa Okwudili as an executive director, strengthening its executive management team as part of its leadership succession strategy.
The bank disclosed in a corporate notice that the appointment will take effect from 1 May 2026 and reflects its long-standing tradition of grooming leaders internally to sustain operational continuity and strategic growth.
According to the lender, Okwudili brings more than 25 years of banking experience spanning credit and marketing, treasury management, compliance, and operations. Over the course of his career, he has served in multiple departments and regional offices within the bank, gaining extensive institutional and industry experience.
Okwudili holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also earned a Master of Science in Accounting from Veritas University, Abuja.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
The new executive director has participated in several executive education programmes, including the Senior Leadership Development Programme at Lagos Business School, the Corporate Directorship Programme at Harvard Business School, and the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Okwudili currently serves as President of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria and is a member of the Noble Order of the Knights of St John International.
Zenith Bank said the appointment is expected to further reinforce its executive leadership under the board chaired by Jim Ovia, with Adaora Umeoji serving as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
The bank noted that strengthening leadership capacity remains central to its strategy of sustaining growth, enhancing governance, and delivering long-term value to shareholders.
