Lafarge Africa Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading cement manufacturing companies, is undergoing a significant leadership transition as it bids farewell to its Chief Executive Officer, Khaled El-Dokani, and welcomes Lolu Alade-Akinyemi as his successor.

In an official statement released yesterday, Lafarge Africa Plc informed shareholders and the investing public about the resignation of Mr. Khaled El-Dokani as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), effective from June 30, 2023.

Mr. El-Dokani joined the board of the company as an Executive Director on January 18, 2020, and his tenure was marked by exceptional leadership during challenging times.

Under Mr. El-Dokani’s guidance, Lafarge Africa Plc successfully navigated the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving remarkable financial performance year after year.

He implemented a comprehensive turnaround plan that addressed the company’s industrial, financial, and human resource challenges, earning accolades for his strategic decision-making.

Although stepping down as GMD/CEO, Mr. El-Dokani will continue to contribute to the company as a Non-Executive Director, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to support the future growth and success of Lafarge Africa Plc.

Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi Appointed as the New Group Managing Director/CEO

Simultaneously, Lafarge Africa Plc announced the appointment of Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi as the new Group Managing Director/CEO, effective from July 1, 2023. Mr. Alade-Akinyemi brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in various leadership roles within the company.

He previously served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the supply chain director of Lafarge Africa Plc, joining the board as an Executive Director on April 8, 2020.

With over 20 years of cross-functional experience in finance, supply chain management, business development, and sales, Mr. Alade-Akinyemi has demonstrated his ability to drive growth and improve business performance.

His achievements in turnaround situations, coupled with his extensive international exposure gained through working in the UK, Belgium, Ghana, and Nigeria, make him well-suited to lead Lafarge Africa Plc in its next phase of growth and expansion.

Mr. Alade-Akinyemi’s impressive professional background includes his tenure as Finance Director at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc for four years, as well as a 16-year career at The Coca-Cola Company, where he held roles of increasing responsibility in finance, business development, supply chain, and sales.

He began his career as a trainee at ExxonMobil before carving his path as a seasoned business executive.

The board of Lafarge Africa Plc expressed their gratitude to Mr. Khaled El-Dokani for his dedicated service and exceptional leadership during his tenure as GMD/CEO. They acknowledged his significant contributions, which propelled the company’s success even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, the board extended their warmest congratulations to Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi on his appointment as the new Group Managing Director/CEO. They expressed confidence in his ability to build upon the company’s achievements and drive Lafarge Africa Plc towards greater heights.

Wema Bank has appointed Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola as its board’s Chairman as Mr. Babatunde Kasali, the current Board Chairman, prepares for retirement in compliance with the Bank’s Articles of Association.

Johnson Lebile, Company Secretary/General Counsel, Wema Bank disclosed this in a statement obtained by Investors King on the Nigerian Exchange Group.

Background of Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola

Dr. (Mrs) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola joined the Bank as a Non-Executive Director in year 2022 and until her new appointment, was the Chairman, of the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee.

Prior to her joining the Bank, Dr. (Mrs) Olorunshola had worked with Unilever Nigeria Plc for fifteen (15) years with experience spanning across supply chain, business re-engineering and process management. She has over ten (10) years of boardroom experience and business management.

She possesses a B.Sc. degree in Education & Economics from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Liverpool, UK, and a Doctorate degree in Business Administration from Walden University, USA.

She is a well trained professional in various aspects of business management and corporate governance practices from various training facilities such as Four Acres Training Facility, Unilever UK, FITC, Leishton Academy, H Pierson, and her work experience spans every aspect of supply chain including Business & Production Planning, Procurement, Distribution, Import & Export, and Logistics Services.

She is a lover of education. Her widely read publication on small business sustainability strategies published in the Journal of Functional Education (JFEAcademia), Proquest.com, and Academia.edu, has been referenced by many scholars.

Dr. Olorunshola is a Director and a fellow of the International Institute for African Scholars, Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants, Member, Institute of Directors, and a chartered member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. An ardent believer in community development and in pursuant of this interest, she is a volunteer in many civic activities where she has contributed greatly to the development of her community and other areas of influence.

Lafarge Africa Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading cement manufacturing companies, has announced the resignation of Mr. Grant Earnshaw from the company’s Board of Directors.

The resignation of Mr. Earnshaw, who served as a Non-Executive Director of the company, took effect from 6th April 2023.

In a statement released by the company, Lafarge Africa Plc expressed its appreciation for Mr. Earnshaw’s immense contributions to the growth of the company and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The company also announced the appointment of Mr. Rajesh Surana as a Non-Executive Director, effective from 27th April 2023. Mr. Surana, a well-known entrepreneurial “P&L” leader in the industry, is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Company Secretary with over 20 years of experience in leading multinationals across several countries and continents.

According to the company’s statement, Mr. Surana’s strategic vision in problem-solving has led to multiple successful mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds, and startups.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University; an FCA, Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and FCS, Corporate Laws & Secretarial from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Mr. Surana joined Holcim Group in 2005 as Head of Finance and Company Secretary and has served in various capacities, including Chief Executive Officer and Country Representative across Asia and Africa. He is currently the Area Manager East & South Africa in Holcim.

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Mr. Surana has served as a Board member of the International Chamber of Commerce & Industry, French Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, American International School, Dhaka, and Overseas School of Colombo.

He is also a member of The European Business Climate Dialogue and a Founding Member & President of Dhaka Indian CEOs Group.

Lafarge Africa Plc’s appointment of Mr. Surana as a Non-Executive Director is expected to strengthen the company’s Board and bring his wealth of experience to bear in advancing the company’s strategic goals.