UAC Foods has appointed Chidi Okoro as new Managing Director. He was previously the Managing Director of Glaxo Smith Kline Nigeria from May 2007 to March 2014. He is a graduate of Spain’s IE Business School and has worked for several reputable companies including Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Promasidor and MTN Nigeria.
In a statement, the UAC Foods, Board of Directors announced Okoro as the new MD and described him as a seasoned fast-moving consumer goods industry executive with vast business and product management experience spanning over 25 years.
In his over 25-year career span as a consumer goods industry executive, Chidi Okoro makes his mark while leaving a lasting impression on the organizations he works for. Prior his position at UAC Foods, he was the Managing Director at GlaxoSmithKline in Nigeria. Below are a few details to note about him:
He contributed immensely to the growth of GSK Nigeria prior his exit
Before he resumed his position as MD, UAC Foods on October 15, 2015, Okoro resigned from Glaxo Smith Kline Consumer Nigeria, which took effect from March 15, 2014, after seven years of service to the company. He decided to leave the consumer company for other career opportunities, however, GSK Nigeria did not fail to acknowledge him for the great work he did in his capacity as company head during his stay. “I want to thank Mr. Chidi Okoro for his leadership of our business. Chidi has been instrumental to the success of GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc. He has doubled our sales growth over the past four years while improving the way we run the business”, said the chairman, GSK, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye on Okoro’s exit from GSK Nigeria. Okoro contributed to GSK’s turnover, which read N9.9 billion in 2007 but appreciated to N15 billion as of December 31, 2009.
He broke a 39 year old record as the first Nigerian MD of GSK Nigeria
In over 30 years of existence, GSK Nigeria had never had a Nigerian Managing Director before Chidi Okoro assumed the position in May 2007. However, he was able to raise the company’s growth in the country, while improving on the progress of his predecessors. He oversaw the launch of several products by the company for the Nigerian market such as Sensodyne tothpaste and Horlicks. After his departure, South African, Justin Korte took his place as MD.
He is an award winner
In 2013, Chidi Okoro, who was then Managing Director of Glaxo Smith Kline Nigeria, was given the Most Outstanding CEO of the Year at the 18th edition of the Performance, Earnings and Returns Leadership (PEARL) Awards. The awards recognize individuals and companies who have considerably contributed to the growth of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the country’s business environment. Under his leadership, GSK Nigeria also won several awards from 2009 to 2013. GSK Nigeria won the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Pearl Award in the Healthcare category in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well as the Pearl Award for All Time Greats. Also, in 2013, GSK Nigeria won the Pearl Sectoral Award in the Healthcare Category.
Given the ability of Chidi Okoro to excel and make executive decisions that can move a company forward, it seems UAC Foods will experience even more from the new Managing Director.
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