VFD Group Plc has announced the appointment of Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as Deputy Managing Director and Executive Director, effective October 5, 2026. This appointment marks a significant step in the Group's institutional development, reinforcing its governance structure, executive leadership depth, and long-term succession planning. The move is part of VFD Group's commitment to building an institution designed for sustainable growth beyond the contributions of any single individual.
Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo brings over two decades of experience in corporate finance, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, and strategic financial management across Nigeria, Canada, and other African markets. Most recently, she served as Partner and Head of Transaction Services, West Africa, at KPMG Nigeria, where she led transaction advisory engagements across the region. Her career also includes roles at Stanbic IBTC Group, IBM Canada, and Canadian Tire Corporation.
Emezie-Ezigbo's academic and professional credentials include a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, from the University of Nigeria; a Master of Finance degree from Cass Business School, London; and completion of the Advanced Management Programme at Lagos Business School. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, an Associate Chartered Certified Accountant in the United Kingdom, a Chartered Professional Accountant in Ontario, Canada, and a Certified Valuation Analyst.
The appointment was disclosed in a notice filed with Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on October 2, 2026. According to Group Managing Director, VFD Group Plc, Nonso Okpala, the institutionalization journey requires building governance structures, leadership capacity, and succession frameworks that are sustainable beyond any individual. The creation of the Deputy Managing Director role reflects the company's commitment to strengthening executive oversight, deepening institutional resilience, and positioning VFD Group for its next phase of growth.
Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo expressed her pleasure in joining VFD Group at this important stage of its institutional development. She looks forward to working with the Board and executive leadership to strengthen governance, support strategic execution, and contribute to building a resilient institution that creates sustainable long-term value for its stakeholders. Her depth of experience in transaction advisory, corporate finance, and strategic leadership will contribute meaningfully to VFD Group's ambition.
The appointment forms part of VFD Group's broader institutionalisation strategy, focused on strengthening governance, enhancing leadership continuity, and building the organisational capacity required to manage a growing portfolio of businesses across multiple markets. By deepening its executive leadership structure, the Group continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainable value creation, institutional resilience, and long-term growth.
With this appointment, VFD Group Plc has taken a significant step towards solidifying its leadership and governance structure. The company's commitment to institutional development and sustainable growth is evident in its efforts to build a resilient institution that can create long-term value for its stakeholders. Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo's experience and credentials make her a valuable addition to the company's leadership team.
Key points
- Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo's appointment as Deputy Managing Director and Executive Director marks a significant step in VFD Group's institutional development.
- Emezie-Ezigbo brings over two decades of experience in corporate finance, transaction advisory, and strategic financial management.
- The appointment is part of VFD Group's broader institutionalisation strategy, focused on strengthening governance and enhancing leadership continuity.
