Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced the appointment of Yemisi Ayeni as an Independent Non-Executive Director, reinforcing the company's commitment to corporate governance, financial expertise, and gender diversity.
The company’s Board of Directors approved her appointment on March 20, 2025, citing her extensive experience in finance, strategic leadership, and governance as key assets for the refinery’s continued growth.
A Distinguished Career in Finance and Corporate Leadership
Ayeni is a seasoned finance professional with a career spanning over three decades. She graduated with honors in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK, in 1985, became a Chartered Accountant in 1989, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Her journey in finance began at PwC in London, after which she returned to Nigeria in 1991 to join Shell Nigeria. She held several key leadership roles within the oil giant, including:
- Finance Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Co. Ltd (SNEPCo) – making history as the first Nigerian woman appointed to the Board of a Shell company in Nigeria.
- Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator Limited – a role she held until her retirement in 2015.
A Track Record of Leadership in Nigeria’s Corporate Sector
Beyond Shell, Ayeni has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate governance landscape, holding key positions across various industries:
- Independent Non-Executive Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc
- Chairperson of NASCON Allied Industries Plc
- Non-Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd
- Council Member of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc
Her wealth of experience in corporate strategy, financial oversight, and governance makes her a valuable addition to Dangote Sugar Refinery’s leadership team.
Enhancing Gender Diversity and Governance at Dangote Sugar
Ayeni’s appointment further strengthens gender diversity at the board level, with female representation now exceeding 40% at Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc.
"Her appointment to the Board aligns with our commitment to diversity, strong governance, and strategic leadership. We look forward to leveraging her expertise to drive the company's continued growth," the company stated.
Her appointment remains subject to ratification at the company's next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
With this strategic move, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc continues to demonstrate its commitment to leadership excellence, financial sustainability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.