The Coca-Cola Company has reshuffled its African marketing leadership, promoting two senior executives as it seeks to accelerate growth across the continent and strengthen local leadership in one of its fastest-growing regions.
The company has elevated Yusuf Murtala from Senior Marketing Director for Nigeria to Senior Marketing Director for Stills (Juice & Water) across Africa.
He will be responsible for driving marketing strategy for Coca-Cola’s non-carbonated beverages portfolio, including juices, bottled water and other still drinks, a segment that continues to gain momentum as African consumers increasingly diversify their beverage choices.
Murtala is succeeded by Osato Evbuomwan, an experienced marketing executive who takes over as Senior Marketing Director for Nigeria, one of Coca-Cola’s largest African markets.
The appointments reflect Coca-Cola’s strategy of investing in African talent while positioning experienced leaders to oversee broader regional portfolios.
Murtala brings more than two decades of marketing experience spanning telecommunications, consumer goods and beverages.
Since joining Coca-Cola nearly eight years ago, he has held several leadership positions, including Creative and Content Marketing Manager, Senior Marketing Manager, Marketing Director and Senior Marketing Director for Nigeria.
His promotion places him at the forefront of developing growth strategies for the company’s expanding still beverages business across Africa.
Evbuomwan joins Coca-Cola from Moët Hennessy Nigeria, where she served as Marketing Director, leading campaigns for the luxury wines and spirits portfolio.
Her appointment follows her selection to the Luxury Lions Jury at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, making her one of the few Nigerian marketers to receive the prestigious recognition.
Her career also includes senior marketing roles at Unilever, where she led the Skin Cleansing category across West and East Africa, and at Diageo, overseeing premium spirits brands in multiple African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire.
The leadership changes come as Coca-Cola continues to expand its footprint across Africa, where rising urbanisation, a growing middle class and shifting consumer preferences are creating new opportunities for premium beverages and healthier drink categories.
The appointments are expected to strengthen the company’s regional marketing capabilities while reinforcing its commitment to developing African leadership talent.