Chidi Okoro, managing director, GSK Consumer Nigeria plc, has resigned from his position as the managing director and member of the Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2014. Until a new candidate is confirmed for the role, the GSK Nigeria Board has appointed Justin Korte as a director and the general manager.
Announcing the change at a media chat at GSK Nigeria headquarters in Lagos, Olusegun Osunkeye, chairman, Board of Directors, GSK Consumer Nigeria, said: “I want to thank Mr. Chidi Okoro for his leadership of our business. Chidi has been instrumental to the success of GSK Consumer Nigeria plc. He has doubled our sales growth over the past four years while improving the way we run the business.”
Okoro oversaw the launch of Sendodyne, Horlicks and other GSK Nigeria products.
In his comment, Okoro said: “It has been a fulfilling four years serving as MD of GSK Consumer Nigeria plc. I believe the time is right for me to move on to other challenges. GSK Nigeria has a great future and it is an opportunity for someone new to make their mark on this great business and lead the company into the future. I believe I have played my part in the evolution of our company. It has been an immense learning experience as well as an opportunity to work with some of the best people in the corporate world.”
Jonathan Girling, vice-president, Africa, GSK Consumer Healthcare, said: “GlaxoSmithKline Consumer is committed to Nigeria for the long term and has confidence in the continuing growth prospects of the business.”
Reiterating GSK’s desire to maintain its business growth, Osunkeye said: “the GSK Nigeria Board will focus on selecting a suitable successor that shares the great values of GSK and is committed to maintaining the growth of our business.”
Korte joined GSK from Gillette in early 2005, and has progressed through national accounts and national sales roles. After running his own business in 2008, Justin returned to head GSK’s Southern Africa business as Group Country Manager. He was promoted in 2011 to Sales Director, Africa.
“Justin has a track record of high growth, successful leadership and extensive expertise designing effective route-to-market strategies in complex trade environments, adding significant value to the Nigerian business. I am pleased Justin will be able to lead the business during the transition period,” added Olusegun Osunkeye.
GSK Consumer Nigeria manufactures markets and distributes a wide range of Consumer Healthcare brands including Panadol, Sensodyne, Horlicks and Lucozade. Over the past four years
GSK Nigeria has won several awards including the Pearl Award in the Healthcare category in 2009,2010, 2011 and 2012, which was capped with the Pearl Award for All Time Greats. In 2013, GSKNigeria was a recipient of two major awards – the Pearl Sectoral Award in the Healthcare Category and the Most Outstanding CEO of the Year Award.
By: PATRICK ATUANYA
