By Omotunde Alawode
Hayat Kimya Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of ’Motayo Latunji as its country manager for Nigeria.
Latunji is the first Nigerian to assume this leadership role within the global company structure.
Announcing the appointment in a statement and media briefing recently, the company said: “In his new position, ’Motayo will be responsible for Hayat’s country business in Nigeria and oversee the day-to-day operations of the business. He will be responsible for driving the company’s growth and expansion objectives, as well as strengthening its market position for their categories, which include baby care, feminine care, personal health and tissue in Nigeria.
His appointment comes after a successful tenure as the sales director for Hayat Nigeria and, subsequently, West Africa, a role he held since May 2016.
“Before joining Hayat, Motayo boasted an impressive 21-year career in the FMCG industry, having worked with other reputable companies.
“Motayo’s extensive experience in the FMCG sector, coupled with his deep understanding of the Nigerian market, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in this strategically important country. We are confident that, under his stewardship, Hayat Nigeria will continue to achieve remarkable growth and reinforce its position as a leading provider of quality consumer products.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Latunji stated that he was ready for the challenge and would give his best: “I am excited to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Hayat business in Nigeria. This shows the company’s commitment to developing local talent and fostering an inclusive work environment. I look forward to working closely with the talented team of Hayat Nigeria to move our company to greater heights.
“Considering the challenging business environment where we operate today, we shall be creative and innovative in our approach to sustaining our company’s equity and business growth.’’
Latunji started his illustrious career in 2003 in UAC Nigeria. He joined Nestle Nigeria in 2007. Rising meteorically through the ranks. He held many key positions in Nestle Nigeria. In 2016, he continued his career with Hayat Nigeria.
Hayat was established in 1987, staking its claim in the FMCG sector with a variety of products. Hayat provides employment to over 10,000 people in Turkey and international organizations by bringing 16 brands together with consumers in the baby care, feminine care, personal health, home care, tissue and pet care categories. It has 26 production facility investments in Turkey and eight countries, including Egypt, Iran, Algeria, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam, operating with sales and distribution companies in Morocco, Bulgaria, Kenya, Thailand and Malaysia. Hayat also continues to strengthen its regional position and deliver its brands to millions of homes around the world by exporting to more than 100 countries in five continents.
Hayat is reputed as the largest tissue manufacturer in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, and ranks fourth in the ‘world’s largest baby diaper manufacturers’ league.