Jim Ovia is the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest banks with over $17 billion in assets as at 31st December 2019.
He is an accomplished entrepreneur and author of the highly-rated Forbes published book, Africa Rise and Shine. With thousands of copies sold, Africa Rise and Shine details the secrets of success in doing business in Africa and Zenith Bank’s meteoric rise.
Jim Ovia’s passion for humanity has motivated his involvement in numerous philanthropic endeavours. Through the Jim Ovia Foundation, he has shown the importance he accords good education.
He is the founder and Chancellor of James Hope University, located in Lekki, Lagos, which was approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer postgraduate courses in business management, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM), University of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University, Louisiana, (B.Sc. Business Administration).
Jim Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Chairpersons; and a Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Africa Regional Business Council.
