Diamond Bank’s CEO, Uzoma Dozie’s Bugbear
In 2014, Uzoma Dozie was appointed the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Diamond Bank Plc.
But many who were not impressed with his appointment had claimed that the position simply fell into his lap, owing to his status as a son of the founder of the bank, Pascal Dozie.
At that time, his critics never saw anything good in whatever Uzoma, who was then 44, did.
However, for those who were sympathetic to him, such criticisms were not fair.
They were quick to dismiss any attack hurled at him, marinating that he had enough experience and expertise to occupy the position.
In supporting his appointment, his loyalists were always forthcoming with his enviable credentials, which included a master’s degree in Chemistry.
Prior to his joining Diamond Bank, he had honed his skills at some other banks. He started out at GT Bank Plc as an analyst, commercial banking and then as business analyst, oil and gas division at the defunct Citizens International Bank before joining his father, Pascal Dozie’s bank in 1998 as the head of oil ang gas section.
There is no doubt that Uzoma, an alumnus of Imperial College, London, University College London and Havard Business School, exudes class and intellect.
But he seems to be under some heat to turn around the fortunes of the bank. In recent times, he has been facing intense pressure over the health of the bank. The bank seems to be in dire need of new capital to fuel growth and profitability. But many observers would tell you, Uzoma is not to blame. The bank has been struggling with bad decisions that predates him.
Just last week, some of the board members of the bank, including Oluseyi Bickersteth, Chairman of the Bank, resigned.