Transcorp Hotels appoints Awele Elumelu, wife of group chair, as board chair

Transcorp Hotels Plc has appointed Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu as chair of its board, effective January 1, 2026, following the retirement of Emmanuel N. Nnorom.

The company, which is listed on the Nigerian Exchange as TRANSCOHOT, announced the appointment on Monday. Transcorp Hotels is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group).

Elumelu succeeds Mr. Nnorom, who is stepping down after completing his tenure as board chair.

She brings experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance and philanthropy. Elumelu currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s leading health insurance providers, and Avon Medical Practice, a growing network of hospitals and clinics. She also chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and serves as a founding director of Heirs Holdings Limited.

Elumelu is a medical doctor, having earned her MBBS degree from the University of Benin, with clinical experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She has worked with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Grantham and District Hospital in the UK. Her professional background is complemented by executive education from Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland and the London School of Economics.

She is also a trustee and co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurship across Africa. Through the foundation, more than 24,000 young Africans have received seed capital, training and mentorship, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion.

Elumelu is married to Tony Elumelu, the group chair of Transcorp Group. Mr. Elumelu also chairs Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa.

Commenting on the appointment, Tony Elumelu said: “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.”

Transcorp Hotels operates several hospitality assets, including the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and remains a key part of the wider Transcorp Group’s diversification strategy.