Ellah Lakes Plc, a leading Nigerian agribusiness, has announced the appointment of Mr. Hewett Benson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 1, 2025.
This was announced via the company’s filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on June 4, 2025.
Mr. Hewett Benson’s Career Background
Mr. Benson brings a wealth of international finance expertise, with a distinguished career spanning capital markets, asset management, and corporate transformation. His cross-border experience in developed and emerging markets positions him to enhance Ellah Lakes’ strategic financial planning and execution.
With a proven track record in managing large-scale transformation projects, Benson has excelled in capital raising, both debt and equity and forging strategic partnerships. His expertise in project finance and commercial strategy will be pivotal as Ellah Lakes scales its agro-industrial operations across West Africa.
Benson’s career highlights include advising on high-impact mandates across diverse industries and showcasing his ability to navigate evolving consumer dynamics. His skills in unlocking cross-border capital opportunities will support Ellah Lakes’ vision of becoming a vertically integrated agro-industrial leader.
Holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London, a C.P.G.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cambridge, and an S.M. from MIT, Benson combines technical rigor with financial acumen. His academic credentials enhance his ability to drive data-driven financial strategies for Ellah Lakes.
Chuka Mordi, CEO of Ellah Lakes, praised the appointment, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Hewett Benson to the leadership team at a critical phase of our transformation journey.” Mordi emphasized that Benson’s financial expertise will be invaluable as the company deepens its agro-industrial capacity and scales regionally.
About Ellah Lakes
Ellah Lakes, established in 1980 as a fish farming enterprise, has evolved into a multi-vertical agribusiness since acquiring Telluria Limited in 2019. Headquartered in Benin City, Edo State, the company focuses on high-demand crops like oil palm and cassava, alongside edible oils, animal feed, biofuels, and agro-processing.
The company is listed on the NGX under the ticker ELLAHLAKES and on Bloomberg as ELLAHL.AK.NL
The company’s strategic shift has positioned it as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, with a long-term vision of dominating West Africa’s agribusiness sector. Benson’s appointment aligns with Ellah Lakes’ goal of enhancing financial management to achieve sustainable value creation.
Ellah Lakes is committed to long-term growth. Benson’s leadership will strengthen the company’s ability to execute its financial and operational objectives effectively.
