Jim Ovia retires as Zenith Bank chairman

‎Founder and Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, has retired following the expiration of his tenure in line with regulatory requirements.

‎The bank announced the retirement in a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026.

‎According to the notice, Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure permitted under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria.

‎The bank said that as its founder, Ovia has been a central figure in its growth trajectory and was credited by the Board for providing strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight throughout his time as chairman.

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‎It noted that his commitment to governance standards and stakeholder value creation significantly enhanced the Group’s positioning and reputation in the financial services sector.

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