Godrej Appoints First Nigerian CEO To Lead Expansion

Godrej Consumer Products Limited has revealed the appointment of Kayode Oladapo as the new Business Head of its West African operations, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and other markets in the sub-region.

According to the company, the appointment of Kayode as the first indigenous CEO of Godrej’s West African operations signifies the company’s dedication to long-term growth and success in this dynamic market, as “his leadership will drive innovation, expand product offerings, and nurture relationships with key stakeholders”.

“We are confident that Mr. Oladapo’s extensive experience and visionary leadership will guide Godrej towards becoming a leading player in West Africa, providing exceptional value to our customers and partners,” stated Abel Idonije; Head of Human Resources – Godrej West Africa, a spokesperson for Godrej.

Commenting on his appointment, Oladapo expressed his enthusiasm and vision for the role stating, “I am truly honoured to lead Godrej’s operations in West Africa. This region holds immense potential for growth and development, and I am committed to harnessing this potential by leveraging Godrej’s strong legacy, innovation and values. Our aim is to build strong partnerships, foster local talent, and deliver products and services that meet the unique needs of the West African consumers.”

Oladapo joined Godrej in 2021 as Category Head of FMCG for the GAUM cluster, following a 10-year stint at Nestlé, where he worked across category and regional roles. He assumed responsibility for the Ghana business in 2022, focusing on establishing the building blocks for go-to-market (GTM) and category expansion. He brings an impressive track record of over two decades in business leadership, including roles at various multinational organisations.