Jobs/Appointments
Strive Masiyiwa Becomes First African on Netflix Board
By Adedapo Adesanya
The global streaming platform, Netflix, has appointed the Group Executive Chairman and founder of Econet, Mr Strive Masiyiwa, to its board.
The appointment has made Mr Masiyiwa the first-ever African to join the board of directors of the company.
Mr Masiyiwa is Zimbabwe’s richest businessman with an estimated net worth of $1 billion and leads mobile telecom giant Econet Global’s operations in over 20 countries across Africa and Europe.
Currently serving on several international boards including the Global Advisory boards of Bank of America and Stanford University as well as chairing the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the Zimbabwean telecommunication mogul brings with him a wealth of managerial experience to the Netflix directorate.
Speaking on his appointment, Netflix Chairman and co-CEO, Mr Reeds Hastings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Strive to the Netflix board. His entrepreneurship and vision in building businesses across Africa and beyond will bring valuable insights and experience to our board as we work to improve and serve more members all around the world.”
His appointment comes a week after Ms Susan Rice, former US ambassador to the United Nations, disclosed she would be quitting her role on the Netflix board to join US President-elect, Mr Joe Biden’s administration in January 2021.
He also remains the only African member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Committee on Conscience.
Born in Zimbabwe, Mr Masiyiwa had his higher education at Edinburgh, Scotland before obtaining an Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Wales in 1983.
After working for about a year in the ICT industry at Cambridge, he returned to Zimbabwe in 1984 to work as a telecoms engineer for the country’s telephone company.
He later quit his job and founded his own telecom company, Econet Wireless in 1993. But Mr Masiyiwa’s Econet could not secure an operating licence until 1998 when it finally ended telecom monopoly in Zimbabwe after a five-year legal battle with the late Robert Mugabe-led administration.
In the same year, the telecoms tycoon listed Econet on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, making it a publicly-traded company. Since then, he has remained at the helm of affairs of Econet Group. He also owns a 50 per cent stake in Africa’s largest fibre optics business, Liquid Telecom.
Speaking on his appointment, he said, “Netflix is at the forefront of bringing great entertainment from anywhere in the world to everyone in the world, and I look forward to working with the board and all stakeholders to continue its traditions of innovation and growth.”
Globally recognised as one of Africa’s most prolific philanthropists, Mr Masiyiwa donated $10 million earlier this year in funding and support to over 1,700 healthcare workers to aid the response against COVID-19.
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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