By Seun Ibiyemi
Transcorp Hotels Plc has announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Awele Vivien Elumelu, OFR, as its new Chairperson, effective January 1, 2026.
The hospitality giant stated that the appointment follows the retirement of the current Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom, who is set to step down on the same date.
In a statement released to the Nigerian Exchange, Transcorp Hotels the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) described Dr. Elumelu as a seasoned leader with extensive experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy.
Dr. Elumelu currently serves as the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), 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, she holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and possesses clinical experience in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She has also completed executive education programmes at Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.
Beyond the corporate sector, Dr. Elumelu is widely recognized for her commitment to social impact as a Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s foremost philanthropy focused on entrepreneurship. Through the Foundation, she has championed the support of over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs with seed capital, training, and mentorship, while advancing gender inclusion across the continent.
Commenting on the appointment, the Group Chairman of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, expressed the Board’s pleasure in welcoming her to the helm of the hospitality arm.
“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. Her strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders,” he said.
Transcorp Hotels Plc is one of Africa’s leading hospitality brands. Its portfolio includes the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the recently launched 5,000-seat capacity Transcorp Centre.