Orange Academy has named Lilian Williams, a brand and communication strategist, as its first Chief Imagination and Impact Officer, marking a historic shift toward alumni-led leadership at one of Africa’s pioneering brand and storytelling institutions.

Founded in Lagos in 2008, Orange Academy is widely regarded as Africa’s first practical school of integrated brand experience and storytelling. Its alumni have gone on to shape campaigns, agencies, and digital platforms across Nigeria, the continent, Europe, and North America. The Academy is celebrated for its emphasis on applied learning, creative leadership, and the development of industry-ready talent, rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction.

In her new role, Williams will lead faculty, student, and alumni engagement, oversee curriculum evolution, and help guide the Academy through its next growth phase amid rapid changes in the creative and digital landscape. The appointment is being hailed as a rare example of institutional continuity in Nigeria’s marketing education space, where alumni are not only products of the system but also trusted stewards of its future.

An alumna of Orange Academy herself, Williams holds a first-class degree in Psychology from Covenant University. She brings extensive experience as a digital strategy leader, advising multinational brands across Africa and beyond.

Her selection followed a highly competitive internal search among outstanding alumni, signaling a renewed focus on relevance, imagination, and long-term impact for the Academy. With this appointment, Orange Academy reinforces its commitment to nurturing creative leaders capable of shaping the next generation of brand storytellers.