Zenith Bank Plc has announced the retirement of its Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s banking industry.

Ovia, who established Zenith Bank in 1990 and led it to become one of Africa’s most profitable financial institutions, is stepping down after decades of transformative leadership that shaped the bank’s growth and expansion across Africa and beyond.

Under his leadership, Zenith Bank grew from a startup in Lagos into a global financial brand listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, with strong performance in retail, corporate, and digital banking.

The bank is expected to announce his successor in line with its succession plan, as stakeholders reflect on his legacy of innovation, corporate governance, and industry leadership.

Further details on the transition are expected from the bank in the coming days.