VFD Group creates first-ever deputy managing director role, announces appointee

VFD Group Plc has announced the appointment of Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as its Deputy Managing Director, effective 5 October.

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The company disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the appointment marked a significant step in the Group’s institutional development and executive leadership structure.

VFD Group recently created the role, and Ms Emezie-Ezigbo is the company’s first deputy managing director.

The Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala, said 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.

“Our ambition is to build an organisation whose strength extends beyond any individual, supported by strong systems, capable leadership and a clear institutional direction,” Mr Okpala said.

He added that 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.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Emezie-Ezigbo expressed her commitment to support the company with sound decision-making and creating sustainable long-term value across the Group.

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“I am pleased to join VFD Group at this important stage in its institutional journey. I look forward to contributing my experience in corporate finance, transactions and strategic management to strengthening governance, supporting sound decision-making and creating sustainable long-term value across the Group,” she said.

Profile

Ms Emezie-Ezigbo 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.

She 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.

Ms Emezie-Ezigbo’s appointment is expected to deepen VFD Group’s corporate governance framework, strengthen strategic oversight and reinforce leadership continuity as the investment company advances its long-term growth ambitions.

The newly appointed deputy managing director holds a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing, from the University of Nigeria.

She also holds a Master of Finance degree from Cass Business School, London, and has 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 Group’s executive leadership alongside Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala and Executive Directors Folajimi Adeleye and Morenike Ominike. The Board 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.