By Chukwuma Umeorah
Ellah Lakes Plc has announced the appointment of Hewett Benson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective July 1, 2025, as part of efforts to deepen its financial strategy and strengthen executive leadership.
The appointment was made in line with the Listing Rules of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and disclosure provisions guiding issuers. Benson is widely recognised for his expertise in initiating and managing large-scale transformation projects, capital raising both debt and equity and executing sustainable growth strategies through strategic partnerships. His professional background includes project finance, fund management, deal origination, and commercial strategy, particularly in asset-intensive sectors.
According to a statement signed by Modupe Ejikeme, the company’s Chief Administrative Officer, “His appointment underscores Ellah Lakes’ commitment to strengthening its executive leadership and enhancing its financial management capability, as the Company pursues its long-term growth strategy and value creation objectives.”
Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Officer of Ellah Lakes Plc, Chuka Mordi, said, “We are pleased to welcome Hewett Benson to the leadership team at a critical phase of our transformation journey. His extensive cross-border experience and proven track record in financial strategy and execution will be invaluable, as we deepen our agro-industrial capacity and scale operations across the region. This appointment reflects our continued commitment to building a world-class team focused on long-term value creation for our shareholders and stakeholders.”
Benson, a seasoned finance executive brings over two decades of expertise in capital markets, asset management, and corporate transformation. His extensive cross-border experience spans both developed and emerging markets, and is expected to support Ellah Lakes’ growth trajectory and long-term value creation objectives.
His ability to understand evolving consumer dynamics, unlock capital opportunities, and lead high-impact mandates across various industries is expected to play a pivotal role in Ellah Lakes’ mission to become a leading vertically integrated agro-industrial company in West Africa.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London, a C.P.G.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cambridge, and an S.M. in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).