Unilever Nigeria Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Sodipe as an Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. The company disclosed this update in a formal notification to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public. The Board of Directors has extended a warm welcome to Mr. Sodipe, wishing him success in his new role.

This strategic appointment strengthens Unilever Nigeria’s leadership bench, aligning with the company’s long-term vision of delivering value through sound financial management, operational transformation, and sustainable business practices.

Ibrahim Sodipe Brings Over a Decade of Cross-Regional Finance Expertise

Mr. Ibrahim Sodipe joins the Board with more than 13 years of extensive experience in finance, audit, and business performance management across West and North Africa. His areas of expertise span financial reporting, internal controls, supply chain finance, forecasting, strategic planning, commercial finance, and global auditing.

Within the past five years, Mr. Sodipe has held several high-impact roles within the Unilever group, demonstrating transformational leadership and a strong results-driven approach:

• Financial Controller, Unilever Maghreb – He managed the finance operations for Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, contributing significantly to profit maximization and operational efficiency.

• Commercial Finance Business Partner, West Africa – He was instrumental in aligning financial strategy with business growth goals across the sub-region.

• Head of Finance, Unilever Ethiopia – In this role, he was seconded to lead financial operations and implement financial best practices in a rapidly growing market.

His leadership has played a vital role in enhancing Unilever’s profitability and embedding a high-performance culture across several regions. He also serves on the Unilever Investor Board for East and West Africa, where he contributes to shaping regional business strategies, investment decisions, and portfolio expansion.

Mr. Sodipe is passionate about meeting consumer needs through the development of high-impact brands and believes in driving profitability through innovation, strong internal controls, and talent development.

Before joining Unilever, he worked with leading financial institutions such as Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited and SIAO, where he built a solid foundation in corporate finance and audit.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)—a globally recognized body of professional accountants.

Unilever Nigeria’s Board Composition Updated

With the inclusion of Mr. Ibrahim Sodipe as Executive Director, the current Board of Directors of Unilever Nigeria Plc now comprises:

• Mr. Bolaji Balogun – Chairman / Independent Non-Executive Director

• Mr. Tobi Adeniyi – Managing Director

• Mr. Michael Ikpoki – Independent Non-Executive Director

• Mr. Ben Langat – Non-Executive Director

• Mr. Chika Nwobi – Non-Executive Director

• Ms. Ngozi Edozien – Independent Non-Executive Director

• Mrs. Umma Yusuf Aboki – Independent Non-Executive Director

• Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi – Independent Non-Executive Director

• Mr. Ibrahim Sodipe – Executive Director

• Mr. Obinna Emenyonu – Executive Director

This diverse and experienced board reflects Unilever’s continued focus on good corporate governance, leadership excellence, and strategic growth.

Strengthening Corporate Governance and Driving Long-Term Value

Unilever Nigeria’s decision to bring Mr. Sodipe on board is a testament to the company’s commitment to bolstering financial discipline and strategic decision-making across its operations. His deep understanding of regional markets, combined with a track record of financial transformation, will be instrumental as Unilever continues to grow its footprint in Nigeria and the broader African region.

The company reiterated its goal of delivering stakeholder value by leveraging the expertise of professionals like Mr. Sodipe who bring both technical proficiency and visionary leadership to the table.

As Unilever Nigeria navigates a competitive business environment, the appointment of a seasoned finance executive like Ibrahim Sodipe is expected to play a crucial role in driving profitability, operational efficiency, and sustainable business development across the organization.