Cadbury Nigeria announces board shake-up as Chuckarbutty exits, Ezz El Arab and Salami join

CADBURY Nigeria Plc has announced changes to its board, with the resignation of Abhiroop Chuckarbutty and the appointment of two new directors, in a move aimed at strengthening its governance and strategic oversight.

In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public dated March 27, 2026, the company said Chuckarbutty stepped down from the board effective March 26, 2026. The board has since appointed Hisham Ezz El Arab as a non-executive director and Dr. Rasaq Adedoyin Salami as an independent non-executive director, with both appointments taking effect from the same date.

The company welcomed the new appointees, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute to Cadbury Nigeria’s growth and long-term value creation.

Doyin Salami

Ezz El Arab brings over three decades of leadership experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, having held senior roles at global companies including Danone and Procter & Gamble. He currently serves as business unit president for Sub-Saharan Africa at Mondelēz International, Cadbury Nigeria’s parent company. His experience spans strategic growth, operational excellence, and business transformation across multiple regions including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

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An engineering graduate of the American University in Cairo, Ezz El Arab has also undertaken executive education at leading institutions such as MIT, INSEAD, IMD, and IESE. He is known for developing a ‘5P Roadmap for Business Transformation’ model and has contributed to global leadership discourse through guest lectures and advisory roles.

Also joining the board is Dr. Rasaq Adedoyin Salami, a seasoned economist with more than 30 years of experience across academia, public policy, consulting, and corporate governance. He is the chief executive officer of KAINOS Edge Consulting Ltd, an economics advisory firm, and has held leadership positions across sectors including logistics, insurance, pensions, and asset management.

Salami previously served as chief economic adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. He has also contributed to global economic policy through roles such as membership of the International Monetary Fund’s Advisory Group for Sub-Saharan Africa.

In academia, he is affiliated with Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, and has taught at the University of Lagos. His consulting experience includes engagements with institutions such as the World Bank, UNIDO, USAID, and the International Finance Corporation.

Following the changes, the board of Cadbury Nigeria is now chaired by Adedotun Sulaiman, with Folake Ogundipe serving as interim managing director. Other members include: Ibukun Awosika, Kofo Akinkugbe, Olubunmi Lawson, and Sree Patel, alongside the newly appointed directors.

The company said the refreshed board composition positions it to better navigate evolving market conditions and drive sustainable growth.