It is no longer news that Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading tier 2 bank will have a new Managing Director on January 1, 2021. The Board of Directors of the Bank appointed a foremost banker, Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe and her appointment has since been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
But how well do you know this incoming CEO of this bank with a rich history of supporting the real sector of the Nigerian economy? Here are ten things you should know.
1. Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is the first female MD of Fidelity Bank. Since the bank began operations as a Merchant Bank in 1988 and converted to commercial banking in 1999, it has had Mr Nebolisa Arah, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and the outgoing Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo- all male.
2. She is a Law graduate from the University of Nigeria.
3. She served as an Executive Director in two banks- first, as Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Retail and SME Groups at the former Enterprise Bank and currently as Executive Director responsible for Lagos and South West Directorate at Fidelity Bank.
4. Her father, late Chief Onwuka Efobi, was a banker. He was a senior officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria and a pioneer staff of IBWA where he retired as an Assistant General Manager.
5. She has over 30 years banking experience across various financial institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank, Zenith Bank, Citizens International Bank and Enterprise Bank among others. She has also worked across various departments such as legal, treasury, commercial banking, corporate banking and retail banking.
6. She is a lover of charity and supports many orphanages and charitable causes.
7. She is married to a seasoned advertising and communication professional, Dr Ken Onyeali-Ikpe who is the Group Chief Executive of sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest marketing communication and advertising group, Insight Redefini Group. They are blessed with children.
8. She is from Nnokwa community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. She holds the title of ‘Ada Eji Ejemba’ which was bestowed on her by the community.
9. She received commendation from AMCON as a member of the Management Team for the restructuring and turnaround of the former Enterprise Bank.
10. She has attended several executive courses at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and Lagos Business School among others.
