Airtel Africa Appoints Unilever West Africa MD As New CEO

(CTN News) – An appointed chief executive officer has been appointed by Airtel Africa for its Nigerian unit, Carl Cruz. Cruz was the outgoing managing director of Unilever West Airtel Africa, a consumer goods company.

On the 5th of May, Mr Cruz, who stepped down from the top position at Unilever Nigeria on the 4th of May, will resume his new role at the company.

Earlier this week, Airtel Africa released a statement in which they announced that he will be replacing C Surendran as well as assuming the role of regional operating director of the telecom company, reporting to the CEO, alongside his duties to replace C Surendran.

During his tenure as a board member, he held the position of executive director in Unilever Nigeria Plc and he served as a non-executive director on the board of Unilever Ghana representing Unilever as a shareholder in that company.

His statement stated that he had more than three decades of experience working for companies in Airtel Africa and Asia, and that he was an expert in his field.

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines, he also holds an advanced degree in business administration from the University of De La Salle, Philippines.

As the regional manager of Unilever’s listed subsidiaries in Ghana, Nigeria, and several French-speaking Airtel Africa states, he had the responsibility of overseeing Unilever’s listed subsidiaries at the time of his immediate past position.

Prior to joining Unilever, he served in senior positions at Unilever’s operations in India as well as the Philippines, and was also chairman and CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka at the time.

It has been stated by Segun Ogunsanya, the CEO of Airtel Africa, that he has a solid track record of achievement, both as a strategic and transformational business leader, who is renowned for his ability to resolve problems and build strong teams in order to achieve business growth.

During his career, Mr Cruz has held a variety of management, directional and strategic roles in areas such as sales, trade development, commercial engagement, customer and brand development, and distribution.

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