Don Quester Consulting - Our client, Wisdom Kwati Group is a diversified group of businesses operating under a common strategic direction, governance framework and shared organisational standards. While its business entities operate independently, the Group provides strategic leadership and oversight to promote performance, accountability, operational effectiveness and sustainable growth across its portfolio.
We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Group Chief Executive Officer
Location: Abuja (FCT) Employment Type: Full-time
Role Summary
The Group Chief Executive Officer will provide overall strategic and operational leadership across the Group, setting business direction, driving performance, allocating capital and ensuring effective coordination of its various business entities.
The role involves working closely with the Board, leading the Group executive team, strengthening corporate governance, building institutional capacity and ensuring sustainable growth and value creation across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement the Group's overall strategy, defining the strategic priorities, growth expectations and performance objectives of each business.
Oversee portfolio management and capital allocation, ensuring resources are directed towards businesses and opportunities with the strongest strategic fit and returns.
Lead major strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, partnerships, business restructuring, integration and divestments.
Establish financial and operational performance targets for each business and hold subsidiary Managing Directors accountable for results.
Identify underperforming businesses and drive appropriate interventions, including restructuring, leadership changes and operational improvements.
Identify and maximise synergies across Group businesses in areas such as procurement, shared services, customers, talent and technology.
Maintain effective relationships with the Chairman, Board, shareholders and other key stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
Establish and enforce the Group's corporate governance framework, including decision-making authority, subsidiary oversight and accountability structures.
Lead, develop and performance-manage the Group executive team and subsidiary Managing Directors.
Establish succession plans for critical leadership positions and strengthen the Group's leadership pipeline.
Define the Group operating model, clarifying responsibilities between the Group centre, shared services and individual business entities.
Drive institutionalisation by establishing standardised processes, systems, policies and performance management structures.
Promote a Group-wide culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration and performance.
Ensure effective oversight of risk management, compliance, legal and internal control functions, including timely resolution of audit and regulatory findings.
Represent the Group in engagements with regulators, government agencies, lenders, investors, major customers and strategic partners.
Protect and strengthen the Group's reputation through effective stakeholder engagement, consistent corporate communication and crisis management.
Competency Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Law or a related discipline.
Master's degree, such as an MBA or MSc, is highly desirable.
Completion of a recognised senior executive or director programme is an added advantage.
18–25 years of progressive professional experience, with a proven record of leadership in complex or multi-entity organisations.
At least 8–10 years in a CEO, Managing Director, COO or equivalent executive leadership position with full accountability for business results.
Demonstrated experience leading multiple businesses or divisions, with responsibility for strategic direction, performance and profitability.
Proven experience in business turnaround, expansion, restructuring, acquisitions and integration, or institutionalising a founder- or family-led organisation.
Strong understanding of corporate governance, Board relations and the Nigerian business and regulatory environment.
Sound knowledge of financial statements, capital structure, funding, investment appraisal and resource allocation.
Strong strategic thinking, commercial judgement, execution, negotiation and decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated ability to lead senior executives, develop talent, establish succession plans and drive organisational transformation.
High personal integrity, ethical judgement, independence and accountability.
Strong stakeholder management, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to remain composed and decisive under pressure.
Experience in a diversified Group, holding company or conglomerate environment is an advantage.
Salary Negotiable