Cadbury Nigeria Plc has appointed Ayman Hussein F. Gaafar, also known as Ayman Fahmy, as its new managing director, effective May 15, 2026, as the consumer goods maker moves to strengthen leadership and drive its next phase of growth.
The appointment, approved by the board of directors on the recommendation of its Governance and Risk Committee, was disclosed in a notice to Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public on Tuesday.
Gaafar takes over from Folake Ogundipe, who has served as interim managing director since December 2025, steering the company through a transitional period.
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Cadbury said the board welcomed Gaafar’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the business amid evolving market dynamics in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
“A highly accomplished and driven business and organisational leader, Gaafar brings extensive international experience in the FMCG industry, with a strong record of business transformation, revenue growth, and operational leadership,” the company said.
Gaafar joins Cadbury Nigeria with a career spanning some of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, including Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, Danone, and Shan Foods.
His experience covers general management, commercial leadership, and market strategy, with oversight of full profit-and-loss responsibilities, go-to-market execution, and business expansion across multiple geographies, including the Middle East, Africa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the Levant region.
This appointment comes at a critical time for Cadbury Nigeria as manufacturers continue to grapple with inflationary pressures, volatile foreign exchange conditions, and weakening consumer purchasing power, all of which have weighed heavily on the FMCG sector.
Gaafar is expected to leverage his international expertise to deepen Cadbury Nigeria’s market competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen growth in a challenging operating environment.
The appointment also marks the end of Ogundipe’s tenure as interim managing director.
The company praised her leadership during the transition, noting that her stewardship helped maintain operational stability and strategic continuity during a crucial phase.
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“Throughout her tenure, Ogundipe exhibited exceptional leadership, steadfast dedication, and admirable resilience,” the company said, adding that her efforts played a pivotal role in preserving the company’s strategic direction.
Cadbury Nigeria, a subsidiary of global confectionery giant Mondelez International, remains one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage manufacturers, with brands spanning beverages and confectionery products.