BAT re-affirms commitment to DEI, appoints female marketing deployment director

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to talent development and its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda with a significant announcement. Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya, previously the Area Head of 360 Activation & Marketing Operations, has been promoted to the role of Marketing Deployment Director for the West and Central Africa Cluster (WCA). This promotion also sees her becoming a vital part of BAT's West and Central Africa leadership team, marking her as the second woman to join this prestigious cluster.

Kikelomo boasts an impressive marketing career spanning over two decades, characterized by her expertise in navigating the dynamic marketing landscape. Her journey with BAT Nigeria began in 2003 as a Trade Marketing Representative, and over the years, she has honed her skills in Trade Marketing, Brands, and Activation across West and Central Africa. In 2016, she took on the role of Area Head for Activation and Shopper Marketing, and her career continued to ascend. By 2021, Kikelomo had reached the pinnacle of her career within the company, holding the position of Area Head for 360 Activation & Marketing Operations. In this capacity, she left an indelible mark by pioneering an immersive virtual reality market experience and orchestrating a significant transformation within the Marketing Skills and Development unit.

BAT, a global organization with a presence in over 180 markets, recognizes the pivotal importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These elements are integral to attracting and retaining top-tier talent while ensuring the delivery of exceptional products and services to a diverse global consumer base. The appointment of a second female executive to the WCA leadership team underscores BAT's resolute commitment to achieving 40% female representation in senior leadership and 45% in management roles by 2025, thereby promoting inclusivity and gender equality at the management level.

Commenting on this appointment, Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, emphasized BAT Nigeria's dedication to "A Better Tomorrow ™" and cultivating an inclusive work environment that encourages diverse perspectives and ideas, which ultimately enhances decision-making and business outcomes. He expressed excitement about the valuable experience Kikelomo will bring to the leadership team.

It's noteworthy that BAT is renowned as a Global Top Employer in Nigeria and West Africa, and it received recognition through awards such as the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives award and the prestigious overall winner of the 2022 HR Oscars award from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. These accolades reflect BAT's steadfast commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.