Jobs/Appointments
Mastercard’s Rajamannar Emerges World Federation of Advertisers President
By Dipo Olowookere
Mastercard’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mr Raja Rajamannar, has been elected as President of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
Mr Rajamannar will serve a two-year term as WFA President, with the option to extend for a further two years.
He replaces Mr David Wheldon, CMO at RBS, who has been president since 2015. Mr Wheldon will continue to serve on WFA’s Executive Committee as Regional Vice-President for Western Europe.
The new WFA chief has worked for Mastercard since 2013, and in particular has led the company’s marketing transformation, including the integration of the Marketing and Communication functions, evolution of its priceless experiential platform, and creation of cutting edge marketing-led business models into the core of the company.
Recently he pioneered Mastercard’s move to become a symbol brand and the launch of its breakthrough sonic brand platform. He also serves as President of Mastercard’s Healthcare Division in addition to his role as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
With more than 30 years of experience as a global executive across multiple industries, previous roles include Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, WellPoint (now Anthem, Inc.); Chief Executive, International and Chief Innovation & Marketing Officer, Humana; Global Chief Marketing Officer, Cards and Payments, Citigroup; and CEO of Diners Club North America.
Mr Rajamannar started his career with Asian Paints in India. He was also the winner of the 2018 WFA Global Marketer of the Year award.
“The opportunity in front of marketers today to make a difference for their brand, their business and even the world is tremendous. I am honoured to pick up and carry the torch as President of WFA, an organization committed to elevating and advancing the activities of our profession, and a role I am convinced will become even more important in the years to come,” said Mr Rajamannar.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Raja as our new President. He’s one of the very best in the business and his work at Mastercard demonstrates how marketers can deliver unrivalled business and social impact when they’re at the top of their game,” said Stephan Loerke, CEO of WFA. “I’d also like to thank David for his invaluable service as President. He is nothing short of a giant in the global marketing industry and he has helped lift the organisation to another level in terms of its relevance to CMOs, its strategic focus and its global expansion. We’re delighted he’s agreed to stay on our Executive Committee and help steer the organisation through future challenges.”
The Deputy President role has been attributed to Philip Myers, Senior Vice-President, Global Policy and Government Affairs at PepsiCo, who takes over from Matthias Berninger, former Vice-President, Public Affairs at Mars.
Philip leads PepsiCo’s government and stakeholder relations. Previously, he oversaw public policy and communications across the company’s Europe Sub-Saharan Africa business and before that led the European Retail Round Table, which brought together Europe’s leading retailers on public policy issues.
His appointment reflects the dual nature of WFA’s mission working with both marketers to ensure marketing effectiveness and policy professionals to protect brands’ license to operate.
The new President, Deputy President and Regional Vice-President roles are part of a wider change in WFA’s leadership team which also includes a number of new executive committee members: Jean-Luc Chétrit, CEO, French Advertisers Association (UDA) & WFA Treasurer; Edward Bell, General Manager Brand, Insight and Marketing Communications, Cathay Pacific Airways; Adam Mohamed Wee Abdullah, Group Chief Marketing Officer, CIMB; Valérie Hernando-Presse, Chief Marketing Officer, Danone; Gerhard Louw, Head of International Media Management, Deutsche Telekom; Allyson Park, Global Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Mars; Francesco Tramontin, Director, Global Public Affairs, Mondelez; Lynette Pang, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board; Atul Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Brand and Marketing, Tata; and Jan Morten Drange, CEO, Association of Norwegian Advertisers (ANFO).
“It’s always gratifying that so many senior marketers are willing to serve on WFA’s committees and forums. We couldn’t do half the work we do without these vital contributions and the wisdom of so many senior marketers and policy professionals is critical in identifying upcoming issues and potential solutions to the many challenges faced by brands today,” said Stephan Loerke.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Energia Limited has announced the appointment of Mr Oladimeji Bashorun as its chief executive to lead its next phase of growth following the exit of Mr Chidi Egonu.
Mr Bashorun, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), steps into the role after years of providing strategic and operational leadership within the organisation.
During his tenure as COO, he was at the helm of the company’s operations, driving operational efficiency and supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.
A seasoned oil and gas professional with over two decades of industry experience, Mr Bashorun held several technical and leadership roles at Shell Petroleum Development Company and later at Sahara Upstream before joining Energia.
In these positions, he contributed to operational leadership, asset management, and initiatives focused on improving operational stability and performance, according to a statement by the company.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr George Osahon, Chairman of the Energia board, said: “Oladimeji Bashorun has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise during his time as Chief Operating Officer.
“His commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth has been instrumental to Energia’s progress.
“The board is confident that under his leadership as the Chief Executive Officer, the Company will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in the industry, while delivering sustained value to its stakeholders.”
Speaking on his new role, Mr Bashorun said, “I am honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Energia. Working closely with a talented team that drives the company’s success, I look forward to building on our achievements and advancing Energia’s commitment to operational excellence, responsible energy development, and value creation for our stakeholders.”
Under his leadership, Energia said it will continue to focus on strengthening operational performance, expanding strategic opportunities, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security, while maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Sunu Assurances Plc has appointed Mr Olayinka Adaramola to its board as an executive director.
The appointee will be in charge of Technical Operations, a statement signed by the company secretary, Taiwo Kuku, disclosed.
Mr Adaramola is an astute insurance professional with over two decades of experience in underwriting, claims and strategic operations, combining technical expertise with academic excellence.
He obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Insurance from Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, in 1996 and MBA in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, in 2009.
He began his professional career in September 1998 in the General Accident Department of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, where he honed his skills in underwriting different classes of insurance business and survey inspections.
Prior to joining the board of SUNU Assurances Nigeria in February 2026, he served as the Executive Director, Technical Operations of Capital Express Indemnity Insurance Limited.
He has attended various courses within Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).
In a related development, Sunu Assurances has announced the resignation of Mrs Olajumoke Bakare from its board with effect from April 1, 2026.
Mrs Bakare served as an independent non-executive director on the board after receiving regulatory approval for her appointment on April 7, 2022.
During her tenure, she served diligently on various board committees and contributed meaningfully to the board’s deliberations.
In accepting her resignation, the board expressed its profound appreciation for Mrs Bakare’s distinguished service, noting her thoughtful contributions, sound judgment, and principled approach to matters before the board.
It further acknowledged that her input significantly influenced both its decisions and overall effectiveness, reinforcing a culture of strong governance rooted not only in technical competence but also in integrity, trust, and composure.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chairman of Creditville Limited, Mr Michael Uwakwe, has been appointed to the board of Chams Holding Company Plc as a non-executive director.
His appointment, according to a statement from the organisation, was effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The board expressed confidence in his dynamic leadership, saying it will foster collaboration, inspire teams, and deliver transformative results for stakeholders.
Mr Uwakwe, who retired from TotalEnergies after 30 years of active service, chairs Creditville Limited, a financial services company involved in consumer lending, equipment leasing, capital market operations and real estate.
He is a Human Resources professional by qualification, training and experience with a deep interest in analysing financial markets around the globe. He is also well-versed in all aspects of investment analysis, asset allocation, and risk management and is a PENCOM-approved member of the Investment Strategy Committee of the Total Closed Pension Fund.
Mr Uwakwe sits on the board of Redwood Asset Management Company Limited, a SEC-approved Fund & Portfolio Manager.
He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria, a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (UK), a member of the British Psychological Society (London), and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management.
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