Etex Names Ex-Lafarge Chief Adebajo to Lead Nigerian Units
Etex Group has appointed veteran building materials executive Peju Adebajo to manage its Nigerian subsidiaries, signalling a focus on operational scaling and market consolidation.
Etex Group has named Peju Adebajo as Managing Director of Nigerite Limited and Emenite Limited, replacing Denis Simonin after a six-year tenure. Simonin's term saw the group expand its footprint, and Adebajo now takes the helm to guide the next phase of development for both entities.
The dual appointment hands control of Etex's Nigerian building materials operations to an executive with deep roots in the sector. Adebajo previously served as Managing Director of Lafarge Africa Plc and Chief Executive Officer of Mouka Limited. She also led UTC Nigeria Plc, giving her extensive direct experience managing manufacturing supply chains and distribution networks in the region.
For market participants, Adebajo brings a high-level governance perspective typically absent from pure operational roles. She currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of FCMB Group Plc, providing insights into broader financial sector dynamics. Additionally, her board position at Wolseley Jersey Ltd and her membership on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Climate and Nature Governance signal an alignment with international environmental standards.
Her broader career spans over three decades, effectively bridging financial services and industrial manufacturing. Before ascending to chief executive positions, Adebajo held senior management roles at UBA Group, Boston Consulting Group, and Citibank. This combination of banking and consulting experience equips her to manage capital allocation and operational efficiency at a time when Nigerian manufacturers face high input costs.
The leadership transition occurs as Nigerite and Emenite push to defend and expand their market leadership. Both companies produce quality building materials, and Etex is betting that innovation and customer-focused solutions will drive sustainable growth. Adebajo framed her mandate around continuity and value creation. “It is a privilege to join the talented teams at Nigerite and Emenite. I look forward to working with our customers, partners, and teammates as we continue to strengthen our business and create value in the Nigerian market,” she said.
Ultimately, Etex is deploying a known quantity to execute a familiar playbook. By leveraging Adebajo's established corporate relationships and operational expertise, the group aims to deliver lasting value for its stakeholders despite the macroeconomic headwinds characterizing Nigeria's current business landscape.
