By Cynthia Alo

The Board of Directors of Capital Express Assurance  Limited, a  Life Assurance company has appointed Mr. Mathew Ogwezhi as the acting Managing Director / CEO and Mr. Gbenga Owodunni as acting Deputy Managing Director/COO.

The statement by the company says that the appointees are currently undergoing approval processing by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Chairman of the Board, Otunba Ademola Adenuga, made this disclosure at a recent Board meeting following the exit of the former Managing Director /CEO, Mrs. Bola Odukale which aligns with NAICOM’s released circular on executive tenure limits.

The Chairman expressed the Board’s gratitude to the former MD/CEO Mrs. Bola Odukale, for her dedicated service, leadership, and contributions to the company’s enduring legacy and reminded the new appointees of the huge responsibilities before them which require that they retain and surpass the current achievements.

 He stressed that the new leadership must focus on growth and ensure profitability that would take into consideration the interest of all the stakeholders.

Ogwezhi is a seasoned professional with over twenty years’ experience in the insurance industry, with expertise in strategic partnership management, deal structuring, contract negotiations, channel development, marketing, and leadership. His journey at Capital Express Assurance began in 2003, serving in roles such as Personal Assistant to the then Managing Director/CEO, Head of Educational Institutions, and Regional Director of South-South/South-East and later, head of marketing, sales and distribution. 

According to Adenuga, Ogwezhi’s ascent to the position of acting Managing Director/CEO signifies a momentous juncture for the company, acknowledging his over twenty years contributions to effective strategies and business direction. His invaluable contributions in conjunction with others has tremendously upscaled the company’s business.

In a similar development, Mr. Gbenga Owodunni, the new acting Deputy Managing Director/COO, was elevated from his prior role as Deputy General Manager overseeing the Lagos Division where he was involved in budget planning, market penetration planning, and relationship management.

Owodunni, who joined Capital Express Assurance in 2004, brings a wealth of experience in technical operations, strategy, product and business development, marketing, and budget planning to the company’s operations.

According to the firm, his strategic alignment with Mr. Ogwezhi will form a dynamic leadership poised to drive and deliver the company’s strategic objectives going forward.