MultiChoice Nigeria has appointed Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of long-serving CEO John Ugbe.
According to the company, this leadership transition takes effect in January 2026 and forms part of a structured succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity as the media and entertainment landscape evolves.
Omotosho steps into the role at a time when the pay-TV and digital entertainment sector faces mounting pressure from streaming platforms, content licensing negotiations, and changing viewing habits. Recent uncertainty surrounding the distribution of key DStv channels, following stalled talks with Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted the complex commercial dynamics shaping the industry. A last-minute multi-year agreement, however, ensured the retention of critical content and stabilised subscriber confidence.
These developments underscore the challenges and opportunities that will define Omotosho’s early tenure.With over 20 years of experience across media, telecommunications, and digital services, Omotosho is a seasoned executive within the MultiChoice Group. She previously served as Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria and later as Group Executive Head for the rest of Africa, overseeing customer strategy across more than 50 markets. Most recently, she held the role of Regional Director for Southern Africa, with full profit-and-loss responsibility for seven countries.
Her appointment reflects MultiChoice’s emphasis on internal leadership development and institutional continuity,an approach that values deep market knowledge and long-term strategic alignment which spanned a period of significant transformation for the company, marked by rapid technological change, shifting consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory complexity.
What It Means for Africa’s Media Sector
For the wider media and telecoms industry, Omotosho’s elevation signals a deliberate and forward-looking approach to succession planning. As traditional pay-TV models adapt to digital disruption, her background in customer engagement and value management positions her well to drive innovation and strengthen consumer relationships.
Her appointment also marks a significant moment for women’s leadership in Africa’s media sector, reinforcing the growing presence of women at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.
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