Cadbury Nigeria Plc has announced changes to its board, signalling a deliberate effort to reinforce governance and strategic capacity amid a challenging business environment. The company confirmed the appointments in a statement titled “Cadbury Nigeria appoints Dr. Salami, Hisham Ezz El Arab to board.”
The changes follow the exit of a former director and introduce two experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in economics and global consumer goods leadership. According to the company, “the appointment of Mr Hisham Ezz El Arab as a Non Executive Director and Dr Rasaq Adedoyin Salami as an Independent Non Executive Director” took effect on March 26, 2026.
These appointments come at a time when manufacturers in Nigeria are navigating currency volatility, cost pressures, and shifting consumer demand. Strengthening board oversight appears to be part of a broader strategy to improve resilience and investor confidence.
Dr Rasaq Adedoyin Salami brings over three decades of experience spanning academia, public policy, and corporate governance. He previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. His expertise in macroeconomic policy and institutional reform is expected to support the company’s long term strategic planning.
Salami has also worked extensively with global development institutions including the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. His exposure to economic modelling, financial sector reforms, and industrial development positions him as a key asset in guiding corporate decisions in a volatile economic climate.
On the other hand, Hisham Ezz El Arab adds strong international business experience to the board. With over 30 years in the fast moving consumer goods sector, he has held senior roles at multinational companies such as Danone and Procter and Gamble. His current leadership role within Mondelēz International further strengthens his relevance to Cadbury’s operations.
His career has been defined by driving growth, managing complex markets, and executing business transformation strategies. This background is particularly relevant as Cadbury Nigeria seeks to consolidate recent financial recovery and expand its market position.
The company noted that both appointments are expected to enhance board effectiveness and contribute to improved strategic direction. Their combined expertise reflects a balance between economic policy insight and operational execution.
Following the changes, the board now comprises a mix of executive and non executive directors, including a chairman, interim managing director, and several independent members. This structure aligns with corporate governance expectations and is intended to provide oversight while supporting management performance.
The timing of the appointments is notable. Cadbury Nigeria has recently shown signs of financial recovery after a period of losses, supported by improved macroeconomic conditions and internal restructuring efforts. Strengthening leadership at the board level could help sustain this momentum.
Overall, the decision underscores a pragmatic approach to governance. By bringing in seasoned professionals with complementary strengths, the company is positioning itself to better navigate economic uncertainty, improve operational discipline, and deliver long term value to shareholders.
