Unilever Nigeria Plc has announced the appointment of Mr Tobi Adeniyi as its managing director designate, effective January 1, 2025.

According to the firm in a statement, Adeniyi will undergo a phased transition alongside the current Managing Director, Mr Tim Kleinebenne, who is set to retire at the end of December.

Adeniyi, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience at Unilever, started his career as a Unilever Future Leader in 2009.

He has garnered extensive expertise across supply chain operations, logistics, planning, procurement, and sales. His roles have spanned multiple countries, including Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, before returning to Nigeria to spearhead the company’s sales transformation initiatives.

The incoming MD also serves as vice chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

The Chairman of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr Bolaji Balogun, expressed confidence in Adeniyi’s appointment, describing him as a leader with extensive experience and exceptional leadership skills who would guide the company toward greater success.

“Adeniyi’s extensive experience and exceptional leadership skills make him an outstanding choice currently to lead us into a bright and even more successful future,” Balogun said.

The Executive Vice President of Unilever East and West Africa, Ben Langat, also commended Adeniyi’s deep understanding of the Nigerian market, stating that his wealth of experience aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

Kleinebenne, who has been Unilever Nigeria’s MD since 2020, will retire after a 33-year career with the company.

He has held leadership positions across several global markets, including Germany, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Caribbean.

“We thank Tim for his exemplary leadership and wish him great success as he embarks on his next chapter beyond Unilever,” Langat remarked.