Unilever Nigeria Plc has appointed seasoned R&D expert Mr. Uchenna Nwakanma as Executive Director of the board effective November 13, 2025.
The board formally notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited and investors on November 17, 2025.
This move adds deep technical and innovation expertise to Unilever Nigeria’s executive ranks amid growing focus on personal care growth in Africa.
“The Board warmly welcomes Mr. Uchenna Nwakanma and wishes him all the best in his new role,” the company stated. His elevation from internal R&D leadership signals Unilever Nigeria’s push for homegrown talent driving product innovation and regulatory excellence.
Uchenna Nwakanma’s Background
Nwakanma brings over 20 years of experience as an accomplished Research & Development (R&D) business leader. He excels in innovation, product excellence, and strategic growth across Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.
Currently serving as Personal Care R&D Head for Africa at Unilever, Nwakanma leads regional R&D strategy. He ensures successful delivery of innovation projects meeting evolving consumer needs across diverse markets like Home Care, Personal Care, Baby Care, Pesticides, Lavatory Care, and Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals.
His expertise spans Home Care, Personal Care, and high-impact innovations balancing technical rigor, consumer insight, and regulatory compliance. Before this, he headed R&D at PZ Cussons and Reckitt Benkiser, sharpening the company’s end-to-end innovation pipeline and capability development programs that strengthened footprints and competitiveness across Africa.
Industry Leadership and Advocacy
A strong advocate for sustainable manufacturing and local value creation, Nwakanma holds key industry roles. He serves as SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) Technical Review Member of standards and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) committees promoting local sourcing, quality excellence, and talent development in Nigeria’s manufacturing ecosystem.
He contributes expertise to forums across Africa Cosmetic bodies/associations, Medical Association, and the Federation of Medicine of Science, Nigeria. Nwakanma acts as a public speaker on topics like bothering innovation as a panacea for country development.
An Industrial Chemist by training with an MBA in General Management, he is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Nigeria.
Updated Board Composition Post-Appointment
The board now comprises 10 members with a strong mix of independent and executive directors. Mr. Bolaji Balogun serves as Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, while Mr. Tobi Adeniyi leads as Managing Director.
Other key members include:
Independent Non-Executive Directors: Mr. Michael Ikpoki, Ms. Ngozi Edozien, Mrs. Umma Yusuf Aboki, and Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi.
Non-Executive Directors: Mr. Ben Langat (Kenyan) and Mr. Chika Nwobi.
Executive Directors: Mr. Ibrahim Sodipe and the newly appointed Mr. Uchenna Nwakanma.
This appointment reinforces Unilever Nigeria’s commitment to blending global standards with local insights. It positions the company for sustained growth in Nigeria’s competitive FMCG landscape.
