TUE, 22 DEC, 2020-theGBJournal- The Board of Union Bank Nigeria Plc Board has appointed Emeka Okonkwo, an Executive Director currently leading the Bank‘s Corporate Banking business, to succeed Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa.
Emuwa has since communicated his decision to retire from the Bank and his role as CEO on March 31, 2021 to the Board after eight years leading the Bank. He joined Union Bank in November 2012, following a US$500 million investment by Union Global Partners, with a mandate to transform and restore one of Nigeria’s oldest institutions back to its rightful position as a respected provider of financial services.
Prior to joining Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa led a distinguished 25-year career at Citibank. Following several senior roles in Nigeria and across Africa, he became the first Nigerian to be named Country Officer and Managing Director of Citibank Nigeria.
On his retirement, Emeka Emuwa will also step down from the Board of Union Bank.
Commenting on his retirement, Emeka Emuwa said, ‘’I have enjoyed the significant challenge of leading Union Bank over the last eight years. I am extremely proud of the management team and what we have been able to accomplish during my time as CEO. Today, we have a strong bank that is well positioned to compete and deliver on its vision to be Nigeria’s most trusted and reliable partner. With a clear strategic direction, a growing and loyal customer base and a strong brand, this is now the natural time for the next generation of leadership to take Union Bank forward and deliver further value.’’
‘’As we begin the transition into a new era of leadership under Emeka Okonkwo, a consummate professional with the right experience and values, I know that Union Bank will continue on its path as a values driven organisation that is deeply committed to our customers and the communities we serve.’’
Union Bank’s Chair, Beatrice Hamza Bassey praised Emuwa’s exceptional contribution to the transformation of the business which produced excellent results and set a solid platform for growth.
‘’The focus over the last eight years on technology transformation, digital innovation, and development of diverse markets for our world class range of products, has seen Union Bank well positioned to continue growing from its current position as a market disruptor.
The incoming CEO Emeka Okonkwo is a seasoned banker with 30 years of experience. He joined Union Bank in 2013 as an Executive Director to lead the Corporate Banking and Treasury business. As the Bank embarked on its transformation, he was responsible for rebuilding the business and strategically positioning Union Bank for success in the Corporate Banking space.
Mr. Okonkwo began his career at Citibank Nigeria where he rose from officer level to become Executive Director in charge of Commercial Banking and Global Subsidiaries in 2009. At Citibank, he worked across various disciplines including Corporate Finance, Credit Risk Management, Marketing, Treasury and Strategic Management in Nigeria and London.
Prior to joining Union Bank, he was the Head of the Corporate and Investment Banking Division in Citibank Bangladesh.
Emeka Okonkwo has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; an MSc in Construction Management from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK.
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