Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality arm of Transnational Corporation Plc, has announced the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Awele Elumelu as its new Chair, with the appointment taking effect from January 1, 2026.
Her emergence as Chair follows the retirement of the current Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, who will step down from the role on January 1, 2026.
In a statement released by the company on Tuesday, Transcorp Hotels described Dr. Elumelu as a highly accomplished leader with vast experience spanning healthcare, insurance, corporate governance and philanthropy.
She currently serves as Chair of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), one of Nigeria’s foremost health insurance providers, and Avon Medical Practice, a rapidly expanding chain of hospitals and clinics.
Dr. Elumelu is also Chair of Heirs Insurance Brokers and a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited.
A trained medical doctor, she holds an MBBS degree from the University of Benin and has practised medicine 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 statement also highlighted Dr. Elumelu’s strong commitment to social development through her role as Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, widely regarded as Africa’s leading philanthropic organisation focused on youth empowerment.
Through the Foundation, she has played a key role in promoting gender inclusion and supporting more than 24,000 young Africans with seed funding, training and mentorship.
Reacting to the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, said, “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.”
