Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Enugu State University of Science And Technology
Enugu
Chiedu Eze
Spring,TX
Summary
Results-driven Marketing and Commercial Leader with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience across multi-market operations in West and Central Africa. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, market share expansion, distribution optimization, and cross-functional execution within complex, highly regulated industries. Strong expertise in go-to-market strategy, demand planning, trade marketing, and stakeholder engagement. MBA in Marketing with demonstrated success leading large regional teams and multimillion-dollar portfolios.
Education
MBA - Marketing
University of Lagos
Akoka, LagosSkills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Organization and time management
- Customer service
Accomplishments
Directed full commercial operations across two countries, overseeing revenue growth, distribution strategy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory alignment.
- Developed and executed country-specific strategic business plans aligned with regional growth targets.
- Drove 8% year-over-year volume growth in Gabon, increasing sales from 213M sticks in 2023 to 230M in 2024.
- Prevented a £1.2M inventory write-off in Cameroon through cross-functional coordination, stock reallocation strategy, and market activation initiatives.
- Strengthened distributor partnerships and government relationships to ensure uninterrupted product supply in regulated markets.
- Delivered revenue, profitability, and market share targets through data-driven performance management.
Work History
Regional Manager – Southeast & South-South Nigeria
British American Tobacco
Southeast, Nigeria
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Directed regional operations, enhancing team performance and operational efficiency across multiple locations.
- Strengthened customer engagement strategy, increasing distribution penetration and retail effectiveness.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, driving informed decision-making for resource allocation and inventory management.
- Managed regional P&L and marketing budgets to deliver annual revenue objectives.
- Grew region to #1 nationally in volume, value, and distribution metrics.
- Directed cross-functional teams, improving productivity and field execution standards.
- Led recruitment, talent development, and succession planning initiatives.
Distribution Development Manager
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Designed and implemented the Route-to-Market (RTM) model currently deployed across Nigeria.
- Led inventory and sales analytics initiatives to improve forecasting accuracy.
- Optimized national stock allocation and logistics planning to improve supply efficiency.
- Enhanced distributor performance and compliance standards nationwide.
Trade Marketing Development Manager – Southeast
British American Tobacco
Southeast, Nigeria
01.2015 - 06.2018
- Developed targeted marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Executed regional trade marketing strategy aligned with national growth objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and optimize marketing initiatives.
- Improved brand coverage, distribution reach, and market share performance.
- Established infrastructure and trade processes to support expansion into new retail segments.
Area Demand Planning Executive
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop actionable strategies that aligned with corporate goals and objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and identify business opportunities.
- Improved forecast accuracy through performance tracking and variance analysis.
- Delivered actionable sales insights to regional leadership for corrective action.
Customer Development Executive (Wholesale)
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
02.2012 - 01.2013
- Led cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented performance metrics to monitor project progress and outcomes.
- Designed wholesale trade strategies and incentive programs.
- Launched Pay-for-Performance initiative, reducing rebate payout costs by over $2.1M.
- Awarded Silver Spear Award for commercial excellence.
Customer Development Executive (HoReCa)
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
03.2011 - 02.2012
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, resulting in streamlined workflows.
- Managed national HoReCa channel strategy across hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Negotiated contracts and executed brand visibility programs.
- Introduced Bar Staff Training & Business Engagement initiatives to increase outlet exclusivity and brand loyalty.
Country Manager (Cameroon & Gabon)
British American Tobacco
Douala, Cameroon
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Developed and executed country-specific strategic business plans aligned with regional growth targets.
- Delivered revenue, profitability, and market share targets through data-driven performance management.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor business performance and inform strategic decision-making.
- Strengthened distributor partnerships and government relationships to ensure uninterrupted product supply in regulated markets.
- Drove 8% year-over-year volume growth in Gabon, increasing sales from 213M sticks in 2023 to 230M in 2024.
Area Manager
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
08.2007 - 03.2011
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple locations, ensuring compliance with company standards.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and productivity among teams.
- Developed training programs to mentor staff, improving employee performance and engagement.
- Analyzed sales data and market trends to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
- Led trade marketing and distribution operations across five states.
- Achieved 101% of sales target in 2007.
- Awarded Best Area Manager (2010).
Trade Marketing Representative & Wholesale Exec.
British American Tobacco
Lagos, Nigeria
04.2003 - 07.2007
- Conducted market research to identify consumer trends and preferences.
- Assisted in the development of trade marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.
- Collaborated with sales teams to ensure alignment on promotional activities and objectives.
- Supported execution of promotional events and product launches at retail locations.
- Increased wholesale sales by 12% in Q4 2006 through volume analytics initiative.
- Expanded numeric distribution of Pall Mall brand from 43% to 90%.
- Oversaw 50% of wholesale marketing operations within Lagos Region.
Timeline
Country Manager (Cameroon & Gabon)
British American Tobacco
07.2024 - 12.2025
Regional Manager – Southeast & South-South Nigeria
British American Tobacco
01.2020 - 06.2024
Distribution Development Manager
British American Tobacco
07.2018 - 12.2019
Trade Marketing Development Manager – Southeast
British American Tobacco
01.2015 - 06.2018
Area Demand Planning Executive
British American Tobacco
01.2013 - 12.2014
Customer Development Executive (Wholesale)
British American Tobacco
02.2012 - 01.2013
Customer Development Executive (HoReCa)
British American Tobacco
03.2011 - 02.2012
Area Manager
British American Tobacco
08.2007 - 03.2011
Trade Marketing Representative & Wholesale Exec.
British American Tobacco
04.2003 - 07.2007
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Enugu State University of Science And Technology
MBA - Marketing
University of Lagos
• 07/07/25 GOLD AWARD WINNER, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SSA, demonstrated a true passion to win, avoi
As at end of June, Cameroon had inventory of 52mns of B&HF with July BBD sitting across BAT warehouse and trade. Based on average monthly RR of 20mns, the business was at risk to write off 25mns with value of £1.2m. Through effective collaboration, the team produced plans which included government engagement with additional one month sale approval secured, trade forum to sensitize the trade on BBD, trade sale out activities and engaged legal representatives to defend unjustly harassed or arrested trade members. These measures achieved the desired result with zero seizures or penalty from government and zero write off cost to BAT