Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality arm of Transnational Corporation Plc, has announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Awele Elumelu as its new Board Chair, effective January 1, 2026.
The appointment follows the retirement of the current Chair, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, who will step down from the position on the same date, according to a statement issued by the company on Tuesday.
Transcorp Hotels said Dr. Elumelu brings a wealth of leadership experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance and philanthropy. She currently serves as Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s leading health insurance providers, and Avon Medical Practice, a rapidly expanding network of hospitals and clinics. She is also Chair of Heirs Insurance Brokers and a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Elumelu holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and has practiced clinically in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Her professional background is further strengthened by executive education from leading global institutions, including Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland and the London School of Economics.
The company also highlighted her strong commitment to social impact through her role as Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a pan-African philanthropy focused on empowering young entrepreneurs. Through the Foundation, she has played a key role in promoting gender inclusion and supporting more than 24,000 young African entrepreneurs with seed capital, training and mentorship.
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu, expressed confidence in her leadership, noting that her experience aligns with the company’s vision for growth and innovation in the hospitality sector.
“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.
