Cadbury Nigeria PLC has officially named Ayman Hussein F. Gaafar as its new Managing Director, effective May 15, 2026. The appointment marks a new leadership chapter for the FMCG giant as it transitions from the interim tenure of Folake Ogundipe.
In a regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Tuesday, May 12, the company confirmed that the Board of Directors approved Gaafar’s appointment following a recommendation from its Governance and Risk Committee.
Ayman Gaafar’s Professional Background
Ayman Gaafar, frequently referred to as Ayman Fahmy, is a highly experienced organisational leader with a distinguished career in the global Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. He joins Cadbury Nigeria with extensive experience across several blue-chip multinationals, including:
-
Procter & Gamble (P&G)
-
Reckitt Benckiser
-
Danone
-
Shan Foods
His expertise spans general management, market strategy, and business transformation across diverse regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Canada. The board expressed high confidence in his ability to navigate the current complexities of the Nigerian market.
Folake Ogundipe Completes Interim Tenure
The appointment of Ayman Gaafar concludes the interim leadership of Folake Ogundipe, who has steered the company since December 2025. During her six-month tenure, Ogundipe was praised for maintaining operational stability and strategic continuity during a critical recovery period for the company.
Cadbury Nigeria recently reported a significant financial turnaround, posting a profit after tax of N12.1 billion for the 2025 financial year, successfully reversing a loss from the previous year.
Strategic Outlook for Cadbury Nigeria
As the new MD, Gaafar is expected to build on this momentum, focusing on:
-
Market Competitiveness: Strengthening the footprint of core brands like Bournvita and TomTom.
-
Operational Efficiency: Managing costs amid inflationary pressures and currency volatility.
-
Sustainable Growth: Driving long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders in the food and beverage industry.
