Emerging from the election is Dr. Yemi Adeyemi, a respected communications scholar and practitioner, who will serve as Chair of the Regional Executive Board for the 2025–2026 term. His election marks a milestone for the association, making him the first Nigerian to lead IABC Africa as its regional Chair.
The newly elected board includes seasoned professionals representing different parts of the continent. Christine Breet will serve as Vice Chair, while Camilla Osborne, the outgoing Chair, will remain on the board as Past Chair and Director of Governance. Other members are Theresa Lee (Treasurer), Riana Siden (Director of Professional Development & Events), Chisim Ckukwu Ndunaga (Director of West Africa Interest Group), Carol Warui (Director of East Africa Interest Group), and Elsabe Coetzee (Director of Quills Awards).
Dr. Adeyemi brings to the role over twenty years of experience spanning corporate communications, strategic public relations, stakeholder engagement, and academic research. He is widely recognised within the IABC community for his dedication to advancing the profession in Africa, having served as Vice Chair of the Region and Director for West Africa. In 2024, he received the IABC Chairperson Award for his role in the Stronger Together Task Team 2.0, which focused on enhancing membership value for the global organisation.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Adeyemi set out a clear vision for his tenure. He pledged to deepen engagement among African members, elevate professional development offerings, and expand opportunities for African communicators on the global stage.
“This is a defining moment for the Africa Region,” he said. “We will focus on deepening member engagement, enhancing professional development, and creating opportunities for African communicators to lead and shine globally.”
Outgoing Chair Camilla Osborne praised Dr. Adeyemi’s leadership qualities, expressing strong confidence in the new board’s capacity to advance the association’s goals. “Dr. Adeyemi’s passion for the profession and his strategic insight make him the ideal person to lead the Region into its next phase of growth and relevance,” she said.
Dr. Adeyemi’s academic and professional credentials reflect a deep commitment to the communications field. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, an MA in Communication Arts, and a BA in English from the University of Ibadan. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Institute of Change Management (ICM), and Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).
Additionally, he has earned several global certifications, including Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Management Consultant (CMC), and Certified Public Relations Officer (CPRO) from the UK’s Institute of Leadership & Management.
The International Association of Business Communicators Africa Region remains committed to advancing the profession on the continent through networking, knowledge sharing, recognition of excellence, and championing ethical and effective communication practices.
The new leadership team is expected to continue these efforts, working collaboratively to strengthen the professional community and ensure that African communicators have a strong voice and presence within the global IABC network.