A.R.N. Foods appoints Chinedu Okere as Managing Director
Okere will oversee the company’s strategic direction, operations and partnerships with a strong focus on scaling impact across the value chain, from sourcing and production to distribution and market expansion.
NIGERIA – The board of directors of A.R.N. Foods Limited has appointed Chinedu Okere as managing director, a move the company says reflects its focus on leadership depth, operational discipline and long-term value creation across Nigeria’s food and commodities value chain.
In a statement issued on January 9, A.R.N. Foods described the appointment as a key step in its growth trajectory as it scales sourcing, processing and distribution activities in core staple crops.
The company operates across rice, sorghum, soybean and maize, supplying both consumer and institutional markets.
Commenting on the appointment, Rilwan Adetola Nola, chairman of A.R.N. Foods, said the board had strong confidence in Okere’s ability to lead the company through its next stage of development.
“Okere’s leadership philosophy, experience and clarity of vision position him exceptionally well to lead A.R.N. Foods into its next phase of expansion. His appointment underscores our confidence in purposeful leadership as a driver of long-term success,” Nola said.
As managing director, Okere will be responsible for overall strategy, day-to-day operations and partnerships, with an emphasis on strengthening internal systems, developing talent and extending the company’s footprint across the agricultural value chain. The role also includes oversight of production assets and market expansion initiatives.
Accepting the role, Okere said he was taking on the role at a critical point in the company’s development.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal time for A.R.N. Foods. The company has built a strong foundation rooted in collaboration, integrity, and ambition. I look forward to working with the team to build on what has been created while positioning A.R.N. Foods for the future through innovation, discipline, and intentional growth,” he said.
Okere brings extensive experience in manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.
Prior to joining A.R.N. Foods, he served as managing director of Coscharis Farms Ltd, a subsidiary of Coscharis Group, where he oversaw primary agriculture, food processing and bulk grain storage operations.
He was previously chief executive officer of Niyya Food & Drinks Company Ltd, managing plantation agriculture as well as juice and dairy processing. Earlier in his career, he held several roles at Heineken Nigeria, culminating in his appointment as national planning manager.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
His executive training includes programmes at Lagos Business School and international leadership development courses in Amsterdam. He is also a member of RIPAN, RIMAN and RIFAN.
The leadership change comes as A.R.N. Foods prepares to commission its ultra-modern rice mill in Epe, Lagos, in the first quarter of 2026.
The facility, located on a 2,000-square-metre site, has an installed capacity of 3,000 bags per day and incorporates technology aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency and maintaining high product purity while meeting environmental standards.
On the financial side, the company completed the early redemption of its N3.8 billion commercial paper, equivalent to about US$2.5 million, in November 2025, under its N5 billion (US$3.3 million) programme.
The instrument was redeemed ahead of its scheduled maturity, reflecting what the company described as a strong liquidity position and disciplined financial management.
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