Transcorp Hotels Plc appoints Dr Awele Elumelu Board Chairman

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has appointed Dr Awele Vivien Elumelu as Chairperson of the company, effective January 01, 2026. Dr Elumelu’s appointment follows the retirement of current Chair, Emmanuel Nnorom, effective next year.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels. Her distinguished track record perfectly aligns with our ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration, and responsible business practices,” Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Tony O. Elumelu said in a filing on Nigeria’s bourse.

“Her strategic insight will be invaluable, as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders.”

Elumelu’s track record has been instrumental to her appointment for this role. Her commitment to social impact is demonstrated through her role as Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering young entrepreneurs. Through the Foundation, she has been instrumental in driving gender inclusion and supporting over 24,000 young Africans with seed capital, training, and mentorship.

Her experience will be key in steering the hospitality company, which has recently appointed Uzo Oshogwe as its new Managing Director. The company is equally experiencing a working capital deficit. It is believed that Dr Elumelu’s appointment, combined with the MD’s prowess, will turn this situation swiftly around. The appointment similarly follows the trend of gender balance and women rising to power amongst listed companies on the stock exchange.

She is the Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, and Avon Medical Practice, a fast-growing network of hospitals and clinics. She also chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and is a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited. She is also a medical doctor, with an MBBS from the University of Benin and clinical experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Dr Elumelu’s medical training has been complemented by world-class executive education from institutions such as Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.