VFD Group names Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as its first Deputy Managing Director

VFD Group Plc has named Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as its new Deputy Managing Director, starting from 5 October.

The company shared this news in a statement on Thursday. They said this appointment is a big step for the Group’s growth and leadership structure.

VFD Group just created this role, and Ms Emezie-Ezigbo is the first person to hold it.

The Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala, stated that adding the Deputy Managing Director role shows VFD Group’s aim to build a strong institution with good governance and leadership for long-term success.

“Our goal is to create an organisation that is strong beyond any single person, supported by effective systems, capable leaders, and a clear direction,” Mr Okpala said.

He mentioned that Ms Emezie-Ezigbo’s background in transaction advisory, corporate finance, and strategic management will add great value to the company’s leadership as they plan for the future.

In her response to the appointment, Ms Emezie-Ezigbo said she is ready to help the company make wise decisions and create lasting value across the Group.

“I am excited to join VFD Group at this key moment in its growth. I look forward to using my experience in corporate finance and strategic management to help strengthen governance, support good decision-making, and create lasting value for the Group,” she said.

Ms Emezie-Ezigbo has over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, and strategic financial management in Nigeria, Canada, and other African countries.

Before this, she was a Partner and Head of Transaction Services for West Africa at KPMG Nigeria.

Her career also includes high-level roles at Stanbic IBTC Group, IBM Canada, and Canadian Tire Corporation.

Her new role is expected to improve VFD Group’s corporate governance, boost strategic oversight, and ensure leadership continuity as the investment company works towards its long-term growth goals.

Ms Emezie-Ezigbo holds a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration, focusing on Marketing, from the University of Nigeria.

She also earned a Master of Finance degree from Cass Business School in London and completed the Advanced Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

Her 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.

Ms Emezie-Ezigbo joins the executive team with Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala and Executive Directors Folajimi Adeleye and Morenike Ominike. Olatunde Busari (SAN) chairs the Board.

This appointment is part of VFD Group’s larger goal of building a strong institution by enhancing governance, developing leadership skills, and creating a resilient organisation that can grow beyond any individual.