● Elumelu to retire 21 August after 12 years that turned UBA into “Africa’s Global Bank”
United Bank for Africa Plc has named Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom as its next Group Chairman, as the bank prepares for a leadership transition at the top on 21 August 2026.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of UBA PLC, on Monday.
Nnorom, a chartered accountant with over 40 years’ experience in banking, finance and audit, was elected by the Board at its meeting of 6 July 2026. He takes over from Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, who is retiring upon completion of the 12-year tenure limit prescribed for Non-Executive Directors by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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—“Deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit”—
For Nnorom, the role is both an honour and a responsibility.
—“I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit,” Nnorom said.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, Management and our staff across all our markets to sustain UBA’s momentum and continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders, customers and stakeholders.”
The Board described him as bringing “extensive leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge of UBA” to the job at a time the bank is accelerating its push into digital banking, financial inclusion and intra-Africa trade.
—Elumelu bows out after transformative 12 years—
Elumelu’s exit closes a defining chapter for UBA.
“Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Elumelu said.
“UBA has established a unique competitive position, across Africa and globally, and I leave the Board with great confidence in UBA’s future. Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience and sound judgement, and I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Under Elumelu’s stewardship since 2014, UBA grew from a Nigerian bank into a pan-African powerhouse. The Group now operates in 20 African countries and 4 global financial centres — the UK, USA, France and UAE — serving over 50 million customers with a staff strength of 25,000.
The Board placed on record its “profound appreciation” to Elumelu for his “visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group.”
—What’s next for UBA—
With Nnorom at the helm from 21 August, UBA says it will sustain momentum on its Africa strategy, technology investments, and role as a key financier of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
United Bank for Africa PLC describes itself as “Africa’s Global Bank,” providing retail, commercial and institutional banking services across 24 countries.
