In what industry observers are already describing as one of the most consequential executive appointments in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) landscape this year, multi-award-winning marketing leader Samuel Olabode Akinrimisi has returned to the CWAY Group, this time in the capacity of Group Head, Marketing.
The appointment which marks an elevation for the seasoned professional who had previously served the conglomerate as Deputy Marketing Director, signals the Group’s intent to consolidate its brand equity and market leadership under proven internal talent.
Akinrimisi, whose career has been defined by an uncommon ability to build brands, grow markets, and lead teams across some of Nigeria’s most competitive FMCG environments, steps into his new role with a wealth of institutional knowledge about CWAY’s brands, culture, and ambitious growth trajectory.
A marketing professional and consumer engagement expert with a distinct quest for excellence, Akinrimisi is a multiple award winner in the marcomms industry, a brand strategist, growth driver, conference speaker, and coach.
Organizations where he has demonstrated his solution-oriented skill set include AIMS Asset Management Company (Portfolio Manager), Nycil Ltd (Commercial Officer), Nagode Industries Ltd (Sales & Product Marketing Manager), Eko Supreme Resources Nig. Ltd (BDM & Brand Manager), HPZ Limited which is a subsidiary of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc where he served as Category Manager & Communications Lead, and CWAY Food & Beverages, where he served as Deputy Marketing Director.
At Nagode Industries, Akinrimisi’s career continued its upward trajectory as he assumed the position of Assistant Sales Manager. His responsibilities included managing key accounts for major players in the coating industry, such as Berger Paints and CAP Plc, and overseeing relationships with key distributors, further expanding his network and industry knowledge.
His relationship with Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria Limited runs deep. His history with Eko Supreme Resources Nigeria Limited dates back to his earlier role as Business Development Manager, and he later transitioned to Brand Manager for Good Mama Detergent & Special Projects, owing to his cravings for brand building. It was also at Eko Supreme where his star first began to rise in the industry consciousness. He rose to the position of Business Development Manager before moving on to HPZ Limited (PZ Cussons Nig. Plc), where he planned and executed annual marketing plans and initiatives in line with the company’s overall strategic direction, developed and executed proactive media engagement plans and media outreaches, drafted media materials, and worked closely with communications agencies to roll out nationwide campaigns.
During his time at HPZ Limited, he was known for his resilience, tenacity, and dedication that consistently positioned the Thermocool brand as the most trusted among its contemporaries. His brand, Haier Thermocool, was awarded Brand of the Year 2022, besides two other awards by the prestigious Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) African Marketing Awards for Excellence. It was also with the brand that he cupped the grandprix award for Brand Manager of the Year at the prestigious ADVAN Awards.
In 2023, he joined CWAY Food & Beverages Nigeria Limited as its Deputy Marketing Director, an appointment that would prove transformative for both the profession and the organisation. From his very first days, Akinrimisi operated with the energy of someone with a point to prove. As the Deputy Marketing Director at CWAY, he played a major role in shaping the marketing strategies for the company’s brands. His innovative approach and leadership skills were instrumental in revitalizing CWAY’s marketing system, breathing new life into the company’s promotional efforts.
His tenure at CWAY also brought institutional recognition. The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) at its 2023 Advertising Conference in Abuja announced CWAY Food and Beverages as winner of the ASP Compliance Award in the Food and Beverage Category. He was also honoured with the Top-10 Marketing Managers Award in 2023 by MARKETING EDGE.
After his impactful first chapter at CWAY, Akinrimisi made a return to familiar grounds at Eko Supreme as New Product Development Lead, where he co-launched SoKlin Smart Liquid Detergent, boosting the consumers’ experience in fabric care. It was during this Eko Supreme chapter that the wider industry paused to formally honour him. At the 2025 MARKETING EDGE Awards, Samuel Olabode Akinrimisi was decorated with the Leadership Award in Marketing, an honour that celebrates not just his professional accomplishments but the philosophy that drives them.
Beyond his corporate exploits, Akinrimisi has carved out a formidable presence in Nigeria’s professional marketing associations. He was conferred the highest honour in marketing as a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), inducted alongside 67 others. He is an Affiliate Member, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). He also serves as Treasurer of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) and represents ADVAN at the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Academically, Akinrimisi holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, and proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he bagged an MBA in Marketing.