United Bank for Africa (UBA) has appointed Emmanuel Nwabuikwu Nnorom as its new Group Chairman, succeeding Tony Elumelu, who stepped down after completing the 12-year tenure limit for non-executive directors under Central Bank of Nigeria corporate governance rules.
Here are 10 things to know about UBA’s new chairman:
1. He is UBA’s new Group Chairman
Nnorom officially assumed office as Chairman of UBA Group on 21 August 2026, taking over from Tony Elumelu.
2. He was born in 1958
Nnorom was born on 7 April 1958 and has built a career spanning more than four decades in banking, finance, auditing and corporate management.
3. He has extensive banking experience
His professional experience covers areas including risk management, finance, operations, investment and corporate governance.
4. He already knows UBA
Nnorom is not new to the banking group. He previously spent more than eight years in senior executive positions at UBA before joining its board as a non-executive director in 2024.
5. He previously led UBA Africa
He served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Africa, where he was involved in overseeing the bank’s operations across several African markets.
6. He held several senior positions at UBA
During his time at the bank, Nnorom served in a number of key positions, including Group Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director for Finance and Executive Director for Risk.
7. He was once CEO of Transcorp
Between 2014 and 2017, Nnorom served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp), where he oversaw a diversified group with interests in power, hospitality, agriculture and energy.
8. He also headed Heirs Holdings
Nnorom served as Group Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Holdings, the investment company founded by Tony Elumelu, with interests spanning sectors including energy, financial services, healthcare, hospitality and technology.
9. He is a chartered accountant
Nnorom is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
10. He has studied at Oxford
Nnorom is an alumnus of Templeton College, University of Oxford, where he completed executive leadership and management programmes.
What his appointment means for UBA
Nnorom takes over at a significant moment for UBA. With his previous experience within the bank and his leadership roles at major Nigerian corporations, he brings extensive knowledge of banking, corporate governance and business expansion.
His major task will be to build on UBA’s growth and strengthen the bank’s position across Africa and its international markets as the group enters its next phase under new leadership.
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