In a significant move for Africa’s media and entertainment landscape, MultiChoice Nigeria has officially announced the appointment of Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer. This transition follows the retirement of John Ugbe, who is stepping down after a distinguished 15-year tenure at the helm of the pay-TV giant.
A New Era for MultiChoice Nigeria
The appointment, effective January 2026, marks a strategic milestone for the company. MultiChoice, now a Canal+ company following the 2025 acquisition, described the leadership change as a “structured and orderly transition” aimed at maintaining stability while driving innovation in the highly competitive Nigerian market.
Who is Kemi Omotosho?
Ms. Omotosho is no stranger to the MultiChoice ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience across media, telecommunications, and digital services, she has a proven track record of driving growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.
-
Previous Role: Most recently, she served as the Regional Director for Southern Africa, managing a seven-country portfolio with full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility.
-
Key Achievements: She previously held the role of Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management (CVM), overseeing more than 50 markets. She is credited with the success of the popular “Step Up Campaign” and the CVM strategies for the FIFA World Cup.
-
Vision: Upon her appointment, Omotosho expressed her commitment to deepening consumer relationships and championing the Nigerian creative economy.
The Legacy of John Ugbe
John Ugbe retires as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian media. Joining the company nearly 15 years ago, Ugbe steered MultiChoice through a period of massive digital disruption, the rise of streaming competitors, and complex regulatory shifts. Under his leadership, MultiChoice solidified its position as the home of local storytelling through platforms like Africa Magic and the MultiChoice Talent Factory.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at this important moment. Nigeria remains one of the Group’s most strategic and dynamic markets.” — Kemi Omotosho, Incoming CEO.
Why This Leadership Change Matters (Analysis)
As the new CEO, Kemi Omotosho inherits a business that is evolving into a tech-centric entertainment hub. With the integration of Canal+ and the continued expansion of Showmax, her primary challenges will include:
-
Retention: Navigating the economic pressures affecting consumer spending in Nigeria.
-
Streaming Wars: Competing with global giants like Netflix and Prime Video.
-
Local Content: Continuing to invest in high-quality, indigenous Nigerian content that attracts a global audience.
and then