The hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, Transcorp Hotels Plc, has appointed Dr Awele Elumelu as its new Board Chair, with effect from January 1, 2026.
The company disclosed the appointment in a filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited yesterday. Elumelu will succeed Emmanuel Nnorom, who is set to retire from the role on the same date.
Elumelu brings extensive leadership experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy.
She currently serves as Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited, Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, and Avon Medical Practice, a rapidly expanding network of hospitals and clinics. She also chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and is a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited.
A medical doctor by training, Elumelu holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and has practiced clinically in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Her professional background is further strengthened by executive education from institutions including Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.
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Her commitment to social impact is reflected in her role as Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading African philanthropy focused on empowering young entrepreneurs.
Through the foundation, she has supported more than 24,000 young Africans with seed capital, training, and mentorship, while advancing gender inclusion across the continent.
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, said the company was pleased to welcome her as Board Chair, noting that her leadership track record aligns with the group’s ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration, and responsible business practices.
Industry analysts say Elumelu’s diverse experience positions her to strengthen Transcorp Hotels’ governance, operational efficiency, and strategic focus, while integrating wellness, customer satisfaction, and social impact into its core operations.
With her appointment, Transcorp Hotels is expected to enhance its service offerings, expand its footprint within Nigeria and beyond, and reinforce its position as one of the country’s leading hospitality brands, underscoring the group’s commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
