Transcorp Hotels Plc has appointed Mrs Awele Vivien Elumelu as the chair of its board, effective January 1, 2026.
Her appointment follows the scheduled retirement of the current chairman, Mr Emmanuel N. Nnorom.
Mrs Elumelu, a medical doctor with an MBBS from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and clinical experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, brings extensive experience in healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy. She is married to the chairman of Transcorp Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu.
She currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited, a Nigerian health maintenance organisation, and Avon Medical Practice, a network of hospitals and clinics.
She also chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and serves as a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited. Her executive education includes programmes at Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.
According to a statement, her appointment highlights a strategic focus on integrating innovation, wellness, and responsible business practices into Transcorp Hotels’ operations. Mrs Elumelu is also a trustee and co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, through which she has supported more than 24,000 African entrepreneurs with training, seed capital, and mentorship, while advancing gender inclusion.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Elumelu tasked his wife to deliver value to stakeholders.
“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 the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc. The firm manages prominent properties including the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the recently launched 5,000-seat Transcorp Centre. It is part of Transcorp Group’s diversified investments across power, hospitality, and energy sectors in Africa.