Guinness Nigeria taps Ajogwu to replace ex-minister Omobola Johnson as chair
Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Fabian Ajogwu, a professor and senior advocate of Nigeria, as its new chairman following the retirement of Omobola Johnson, a former minister of communication technology.
The brewer said in a statement on Friday that Johnson has served on the board for nine years and as chair since July 1, 2021, adding that her tenure would end on January 28.
“Under her strategic leadership, Guinness Nigeria has achieved significant milestones and taken major strides recording year-on-year revenue growth. Dr Johnson has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and fostering a culture of excellence,” it said. “She has been an invaluable asset to the board of Guinness Nigeria, providing exemplary leadership and strategic guidance during her tenure.”
The company also announced the retirement of Ngozi Edozien as an independent non-executive director with effect from November 27, 2024 and appointments of Olusola Oworu and Bola Adesola as independent non-executive directors effective February 1, 2025.
Ajogwu has been a valuable member of the board since November 2018 and brings a wealth of experience in Board Governance, Business & Entrepreneurship, Business Executive Education and Strategic leadership, according to the statement.
“Guinness Nigeria Plc is confident that Prof Ajogwu’s leadership will guide the organization through its next phase of growth and success,” the company said.
Ajogwu, a Lagos Business School Professor of Corporate Governance, has practised law at Kenna Partners for over 3 decades, with 16 years in the Inner Bar. He is the founder and fellow of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria; and the president and chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.
Oworu, a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Lagos State, has served on various boards in different capacities, the most recent one being an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Lafarge Africa Plc since 2024. She also serves on the boards of Industrial and Medical Gases Plc and Sterling Bank Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director and the Chairman, Board Credit Committee, respectively.
Adesola, a banking professional with over 33 years of experience, is the chairman of Ecobank Nigeria. She also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Prior to her role as Senior Vice-Chairman, she held the positions of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and West Africa (2011-2019). Additionally, she served on the boards of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire and was Chairman of the board of the Bank in Mauritius.
