Transcorp Hotels Appoints Awele Elumelu As Board Chair

Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced the appointment of Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu as Chair of its Board, with effect from January 1, 2026, marking a new phase in the leadership of the hospitality company.

Leadership transition

Dr. Elumelu’s appointment follows the retirement of the current Chair, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom, who will step down on January 1, 2026. The company said the transition reflects continuity in governance while positioning the board for its next growth phase.

Profile of the new chair

Dr. Elumelu brings wide-ranging leadership experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy. She currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited, Nigeria’s leading health maintenance organisation, as well as Avon Medical Practice, a growing network of hospitals and clinics.

She also serves as Chair of Heirs Insurance Brokers and is a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited, giving her deep exposure to board-level decision-making across multiple sectors.

Professional and academic background

A medical doctor by training, Dr. Elumelu holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and has practiced clinically in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Her medical background is complemented by executive education from institutions including Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.

Track record in social impact

Beyond corporate leadership, Dr. Elumelu is a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, widely recognised for its work in supporting African entrepreneurship. Through the foundation, she has played a key role in promoting gender inclusion and empowering over 24,000 young Africans with seed capital, training, and mentorship.

What the company is saying

Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, said that the company was pleased to welcome her as Board Chair, noting that her experience aligns with Transcorp Hotels’ vision to strengthen innovation, integrate wellness into hospitality offerings, and pursue responsible business practices.

He stated that her strategic perspective would support the company’s efforts to enhance guest experiences and deliver long-term value to stakeholders.