VFD Group appoints new deputy managing director

Deputy MD, VFD Group, Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo

VFD Group Plc has appointed Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo as its Deputy Managing Director, effective October 5, 2026, as the investment company strengthens its executive leadership structure.

Emezie-Ezigbo, according to a statement from the firm on Wednesday, 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.

Commenting on the appointment, the Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala, said, “The creation of the Deputy Managing Director role reflects our commitment to building VFD 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. Ijeoma’s experience in transaction advisory, corporate finance and strategic management will bring valuable depth to our executive leadership as we continue to build for the future.”

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Emezie-Ezigbo holds a First-Class Honours degree in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing, from the University of Nigeria; 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, Associate Chartered Certified Accountant, Chartered Professional Accountant in Ontario, Canada, and Certified Valuation Analyst.

Emezie-Ezigbo said, “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.”

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.