Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), has announced the appointment of Dr (Mrs) Awele Vivien Elumelu as its new Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr Elumelu will succeed Mr Emmanuel N. Nnorom, who is set to retire from the position following the conclusion of his tenure on the same date. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for Transcorp Hotels as the company positions itself for sustained growth, innovation and enhanced guest experiences across its hospitality portfolio.
In a statement released by the company, Transcorp Hotels described Dr Elumelu’s appointment as a strategic move that reflects its long-term vision of integrating excellence, wellness, governance and sustainability into its hospitality operations.
Dr Elumelu brings to the role an impressive and diverse leadership background that spans healthcare, insurance, corporate governance and philanthropy, making her one of the most influential business leaders in Nigeria’s private sector. Her experience is expected to strengthen the board’s oversight capacity and reinforce the company’s commitment to value creation for shareholders and stakeholders alike.
She currently serves as Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s leading health maintenance organisations, where she has played a pivotal role in expanding access to quality healthcare services. She is also the Chair of Avon Medical Practice, a fast-growing network of hospitals and specialist clinics delivering modern healthcare solutions across Nigeria.
Beyond healthcare, Dr Elumelu is the Chair of Heirs Insurance Brokers, a key player in Nigeria’s insurance brokerage space, and a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited, the family-owned investment company with interests spanning financial services, power, energy, real estate and hospitality across Africa.
A trained medical doctor, Dr Elumelu holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Benin. She has practised medicine in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, an experience that has shaped her deep understanding of healthcare systems, patient care and organisational leadership.
Her professional journey has been further enriched through executive education at some of the world’s most respected institutions, including Harvard Business School, IMD Business School in Switzerland, and the London School of Economics (LSE). These credentials underscore her global exposure and strategic mindset, qualities widely regarded as critical for board-level leadership in today’s dynamic business environment.
Dr Elumelu is also widely recognised for her strong commitment to social impact and inclusive development. She is a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs across the continent.
Through the foundation, she has been instrumental in advancing gender inclusion, youth empowerment and economic development. Since its inception, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has supported over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs with seed capital, business training, mentorship and access to global networks, contributing significantly to job creation and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Her appointment comes at a time when Transcorp Hotels continues to expand its footprint and redefine hospitality standards in Nigeria. The company’s flagship asset, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, remains one of Africa’s most iconic luxury hotels, playing host to high-level diplomatic engagements, international conferences and major corporate events.
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Mr Tony O. Elumelu, expressed confidence in Dr Elumelu’s leadership and vision.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels. Her distinguished track record in healthcare, governance and philanthropy perfectly aligns with our ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration and responsible business practices. Her strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all our stakeholders,” he said.
Outgoing Chair Mr Emmanuel N. Nnorom was also commended for his years of dedicated service and leadership, during which Transcorp Hotels strengthened its governance framework and navigated challenging market conditions.
Industry analysts view Dr Elumelu’s appointment as a significant signal of Transcorp Hotels’ intention to integrate wellness, sustainability and customer-centric innovation into its hospitality strategy, leveraging her healthcare background and governance expertise.
As she prepares to assume office in January 2026, expectations are high that her leadership will further enhance the company’s brand positioning, operational excellence and long-term growth prospects within Nigeria’s competitive hospitality sector.
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