VFD Group Plc has announced the appointment of Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as its Deputy Managing Director, effective 5 October. This move marks a significant step in the Group’s institutional development and executive leadership structure. The company recently created the role, and Ms Emezie-Ezigbo is the company’s first deputy managing director.
The Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala, stated that creating the Deputy Managing Director role reflects VFD Group’s commitment to building the Group as an institution with the governance depth, leadership capacity, and succession structures required for long-term sustainability. He emphasized the company’s ambition to build an organisation whose strength extends beyond any individual.
According to Mr Okpala, Ms Emezie-Ezigbo’s experience in transaction advisory, corporate finance, and strategic management will bring valuable depth to its executive leadership as the company continues to build for the future. Her appointment is expected to deepen VFD Group’s corporate governance framework, strengthen strategic oversight, and reinforce leadership continuity.
Ms Emezie-Ezigbo expressed her commitment to supporting the company with sound decision-making and creating sustainable long-term value across the Group. She brings more than two decades of experience spanning corporate finance, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, and strategic financial management across Nigeria, Canada, and other African markets.
Prior to joining VFD Group, Ms Emezie-Ezigbo most recently served as Partner and Head of Transaction Services, West Africa, at KPMG Nigeria. Her career also includes senior roles at Stanbic IBTC Group, IBM Canada, and Canadian Tire Corporation. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria and a Master of Finance degree from Cass Business School, London.
Ms Emezie-Ezigbo’s professional qualifications include Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Associate Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA UK), Chartered Professional Accountant in Ontario, Canada, and Certified Valuation Analyst. She joins the Group’s executive leadership alongside Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala and Executive Directors Folajimi Adeleye and Morenike Ominike.
The Board of VFD Group is chaired by Olatunde Busari (SAN). The appointment forms part of VFD Group’s broader commitment to institutionalisation, with a focus on strengthening governance, developing leadership capacity, and building a resilient organisation positioned for sustainable growth beyond any single individual.
Key points
- VFD Group creates first-ever deputy managing director role
- Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo appointed as Deputy Managing Director
- Appointment aimed at deepening corporate governance framework and leadership continuity
