Cadbury Nigeria Plc has strengthened its board with the appointment of two new directors, marking a strategic governance update following the exit of a former board member.
The company confirmed the appointment of Dr Rasaq Adedoyin Salami as an Independent Non-Executive Director, alongside Mr Hisham Ezz El Arab, who joins as a Non-Executive Director. Both appointments took effect on March 26, 2026, according to a disclosure filed with the Nigerian Exchange.
The development follows the resignation of Mr Abhiroop Chuckarbutty, who stepped down from the board on the same date, creating space for the new additions to join the leadership structure of the company.
Brandspur Corporate Governance Desk reports that the board changes are part of Cadbury Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its governance framework and bring in experienced professionals with diverse expertise to support long-term strategic growth.
Dr Rasaq Adedoyin Salami brings over three decades of experience spanning economics, public policy, academia, and corporate advisory. He holds a doctorate from Queen Mary College, University of London, and currently leads KAINOS Edge Consulting Ltd, an applied economics advisory firm he co-founded.
His professional background includes service as Chief Economic Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as chairmanship of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. He has also contributed to global policy discussions through engagements with institutions such as the IMF Advisory Group for Sub-Saharan Africa and has consulted for organizations including the World Bank, IFC, UNIDO, USAID, and DFID.
In addition to his policy and advisory roles, Dr Salami has held board positions in several private sector companies and continues to play an active role in corporate governance and academic development, including affiliations with Lagos Business School and the University of Lagos.
Mr Hisham Ezz El Arab joins the board with extensive international experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, spanning more than 30 years. His career includes leadership roles at multinational companies such as Danone and Procter & Gamble, where he was involved in business expansion, operational restructuring, and regional market development.
He currently serves as Business Unit President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mondelēz International. His previous roles include Regional Vice President for Asia, Middle East and Africa at Danone. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the American University in Cairo and has completed executive education programmes at leading global institutions including MIT, INSEAD, IMD, and IESE.
Cadbury Nigeria noted that the appointments align with its commitment to maintaining a balanced and experienced board structure. The company’s board is chaired by Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, with Mrs Folake Ogundipe serving as Interim Managing Director.
Other members of the board include non-executive directors such as Mrs Ibukun Awosika and Ms Sree Patel, alongside the newly appointed Mr Ezz El Arab. Independent non-executive directors include Dr Salami, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, and Ms Olubunmi Lawson, reflecting a mix of local and international expertise.
The board restructuring comes at a time when listed companies are increasingly prioritising governance, diversity, and global experience to navigate evolving market conditions and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s corporate sector.
