PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has announced a major leadership transition, appointing Oghale Joseph Elueni as its new managing director and chief executive officer, while also elevating chief financial officer Ebenezer Oludare Elusakin to its board of directors as executive director.
The appointments took effect on June 1, 2026, following the resignation of Dimitrios Kostianis, who stepped down as CEO and board member to assume a new role within the wider PZ Cussons Group. The changes were disclosed in a notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
Kostianis leaves after leading the company through a challenging period marked by macroeconomic headwinds and foreign exchange pressures. During his tenure, PZ Cussons Nigeria restored profitability and returned to a positive equity position, achievements the board described as significant milestones in the company’s turnaround journey.
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Elueni, who previously served as managing director of the company’s Consumer business, joined PZ Cussons in 2021. He brings more than two decades of experience in the consumer goods sector, having held senior leadership positions at SC Johnson and Procter & Gamble across Africa and the United States. The board said his extensive commercial and leadership experience, combined with his understanding of the Nigerian market, positions him to drive the company’s next phase of growth.
The company also announced the appointment of Elusakin as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. Elusakin has served as CFO since November 2024 and has played a key role in strengthening the company’s financial management and strategic execution. Before joining PZ Cussons Nigeria, he held finance leadership positions at multinational firms including Unilever, Diageo and Royal Philips.
Commenting on the changes, Board Chair Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru thanked Kostianis for his contributions to the Nigerian business and his three decades of service within the PZ Cussons Group.
“He will leave a significant legacy, having successfully led the business through challenging macroeconomic conditions and creating the foundations for a strong future,” Okauru said, while congratulating Elueni and Elusakin on their appointments.
PZ Cussons Group CEO Jonathan Myers also paid tribute to the outgoing executive, describing his impact on the Nigerian business as significant. Myers expressed confidence in the new leadership team and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the Nigerian market.
“We are fully committed to continue investing and building our business in Nigeria, a country where we have been present continuously since 1899,” Myers said.