Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Dr Awele Vivien Elumelu as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors. This strategic move becomes effective on 1 January 2026.
A Distinguished Leader Takes the Helm
Dr Elumelu's appointment follows the scheduled retirement of the outgoing Chair, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom. She brings a formidable and diverse portfolio of experience to the role. A medical doctor by training, she earned her MBBS from the University of Benin and gained clinical experience both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Her professional journey extends far beyond medicine into healthcare management, insurance, and corporate governance. She currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited, Nigeria's foremost health maintenance organisation, and Avon Medical Practice. Additionally, she chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and serves as a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited.
Her executive education includes prestigious programmes at Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.
Strategic Vision for Hospitality and Wellness
The appointment signals a deliberate strategic focus for Transcorp Hotels. The company aims to deeply integrate innovation, wellness, and responsible business practices into its core operations. Dr Elumelu's unique background at the intersection of healthcare and business is seen as ideal for driving this vision.
She is also widely recognised for her philanthropic work. As a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, she has played a key role in empowering African entrepreneurship. The foundation has provided training, seed capital, and mentorship to more than 24,000 African entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on advancing gender inclusion.
Endorsement from the Group Leadership
Commenting on the new appointment, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, expressed strong confidence in her capabilities. He stated that her distinguished track record aligns perfectly with the group's ambition to redefine hospitality standards in Nigeria and across Africa.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels," he said. "Her strategic insight will be invaluable, as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders."
Transcorp Hotels Plc is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp). It manages iconic Nigerian properties such as the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the newly launched, state-of-the-art 5,000-seat Transcorp Centre. The company is a key part of the Transcorp Group's diversified investments spanning power, hospitality, and energy sectors across the African continent.
