MultiChoice Nigeria has appointed seasoned media and telecommunications executive Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the country’s most influential entertainment and pay-TV companies.

Her appointment follows the retirement of long-serving CEO John Ugbe, who is stepping down after nearly 15 years at the helm. Under his leadership, MultiChoice Nigeria navigated sweeping changes in technology, consumer behaviour, and regulation, while expanding its footprint in local content production and digital services.

Omotosho’s elevation to the top job underscores MultiChoice Group’s strategy of promoting leaders with deep regional experience and a strong understanding of African consumer markets. With more than two decades of experience across media, telecommunications, and digital services in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, she is widely regarded as a leader who combines commercial acumen with a strong focus on customer experience.

Within the MultiChoice Group, Omotosho has held several key roles that have shaped the company’s approach to customer engagement and market growth. In Nigeria, she previously served as Executive Head of Customer Value Management, where she was responsible for developing strategies to retain subscribers, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth in an increasingly competitive pay-TV landscape.

Her performance in that role led to her promotion as Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management for the Rest of Africa, a position that expanded her remit beyond Nigeria to multiple markets across the continent. In that capacity, she worked on harmonising customer strategies, tailoring products and services to local needs, and leveraging data and analytics to better understand viewing habits and preferences.

Most recently, Omotosho served as Regional Director for Southern Africa, overseeing operations in seven countries. That role placed her at the centre of MultiChoice’s efforts to consolidate its leadership in key African markets, manage regulatory complexities, and respond to the rapid rise of streaming platforms and on-demand viewing. Her experience in Southern Africa is expected to be particularly valuable as MultiChoice Nigeria continues to balance its traditional satellite television business with its growing digital and streaming offerings.

In accepting the role, Omotosho described Nigeria as one of the MultiChoice Group’s most important territories and emphasised her commitment to strengthening the company’s relationship with its audience and partners.

“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. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deepen our relationship with consumers, champion local storytelling and the creative economy, as well as build a future-ready organisation that delivers sustainable value,” she said.

Her comments reflect the dual priorities facing MultiChoice Nigeria: maintaining its dominance in pay-TV while responding to shifting consumer expectations, especially among younger, digitally savvy viewers. The Nigerian market has seen a surge in demand for local content, flexible subscription models, and seamless digital access, trends that are reshaping how media companies operate.

Under Ugbe’s leadership, MultiChoice Nigeria invested heavily in local productions, helping to elevate Nollywood and Nigerian television to global audiences. Channels such as Africa Magic became platforms for original series, reality shows, and films that resonated with local viewers and attracted international attention. The company also expanded its sports offerings, securing rights to major football leagues and tournaments that have become central to its value proposition for subscribers.

At the same time, Ugbe steered the company through economic volatility, currency fluctuations, and regulatory scrutiny, while facing growing competition from global streaming giants and regional platforms. His tenure is widely associated with the transformation of MultiChoice from a traditional satellite broadcaster into a broader entertainment and technology company.

MultiChoice Nigeria has indicated that Ugbe’s retirement and Omotosho’s appointment are the result of a structured transition process designed to ensure continuity and stability. Such a managed handover is intended to reassure investors, regulators, and customers that the company’s strategic direction will remain consistent even as it adapts to new market realities.