Unilever Nigeria PLC has announced significant changes in its leadership team following a Board resolution on November 29, 2024. These changes include the resignation of the current Managing Director, Mr. Tim Kleinebenne, effective December 31, 2024, and the appointment of Mr. Oluwatobi Adeniyi as the Managing Director, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, Mrs. Umma Yusuf Aboki has been appointed as a Director of the Company, also effective from January 1, 2025.
Leadership Transition: Mr. Tim Kleinebenne’s Departure
After a distinguished career spanning 33 years with Unilever, Mr. Tim Kleinebenne is stepping down as Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria. Mr. Kleinebenne has been praised for his transformational leadership, which led to remarkable increases in both turnover and profit for the company, positioning Unilever Nigeria for sustainable growth.
Ben Langat, Executive Vice President for Unilever East and West Africa, commended Mr. Kleinebenne, saying,
The published results are a clear testament of the successful transformation he initiated. We wish him great success in his next endeavors.
Bolaji Balogun, Chairman of the Board, also expressed gratitude:
We sincerely thank Tim for his outstanding work and wish him all the best in his future career.
Introducing Mr. Oluwatobi Adeniyi: The New Managing Director
The Board has named Mr. Oluwatobi Adeniyi as the incoming Managing Director, leveraging his extensive expertise across Unilever’s operations. Since joining Unilever in 2009, Mr. Adeniyi has held various leadership roles in supply chain management, logistics, procurement, and sales, spanning multiple markets such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Most recently, Mr. Adeniyi led Unilever Nigeria’s sales transformation agenda, delivering significant results nationwide. In addition to his professional achievements, he is the Vice Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) and a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD).
Bolaji Balogun remarked,
Tobi’s exceptional leadership skills and experience make him the right choice to steer Unilever Nigeria into a bright future. Under his guidance, we are confident of achieving even greater success.
Appointment of Mrs. Umma Yusuf Aboki to the Board
The Board also approved the appointment of Mrs. Umma Yusuf Aboki as a Director. With over 25 years of experience spanning banking, investment promotion, and public-private partnerships, Mrs. Aboki brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board.
Her notable accomplishments include serving as Executive Secretary/CEO at Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) and as Commissioner for Planning and Budgeting in Kaduna State. Mrs. Aboki’s deep expertise in financial management and strategic planning is expected to contribute significantly to Unilever Nigeria’s growth strategy.
Looking Ahead
The Board expressed optimism about the leadership transition, emphasizing that the new appointments align with Unilever Nigeria’s robust succession planning framework. These changes signal Unilever Nigeria’s continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
As Unilever Nigeria embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders and investors can expect enhanced leadership focus on sustaining the company’s profitability and market presence in Nigeria and beyond.
For further information, visit www.unilever-ewa.com.
