By Peter Egwuatu

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, GSK, has announced the appointment of an interim Managing Director, Justin Korteasa following the voluntary resignation of Mr. Chidi Okoro, as the company’s Managing Director with effect from March 15, 2014.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the comopany,Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, told  newsmen in Lagos, “ Until a new candidate is confirmed for the role, the GSK Nigeria Board has appointed Mr. Justin Korte as a Director and the General Manager.

We are searching for person of integrity and competence from both within the company, Group and Nigeria in general.”

In his comment on the resignation of Mr. Okoro, he said “I want to thank Mr. Chidi Okoro for his leadership of our business. Okoro has contributed to the growth of GSK Nigeria since he joined the company; at least he has doubled the performance of the company in just four years.

Chidi has been instrumental to the success of GSK  He has doubled our sales growth over the past four years while improving the way we run the business.  He oversaw the launch of Sendodyne, Horlicks and other products.  I am proud that he is the first Nigerian managing director of GSK Consumer Nigeria and I wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Reacting to his resignation, Okoro said, “It has been a fulfilling four years serving as managing director of GSK  Nigeria. I believe the time is right for me to move on to other challenges. If you look at my profile, I don’t stay long in wherever I work.

I contribute my quota and leaves, while allow others to continue. GSK Nigeria has a great future and it is an opportunity for someone new to make their mark on this great business and lead the company into the future.

I believe I have played my part in the evolution of our company. It has been an immense learning experience as well as an opportunity to work with some of the best people in the corporate world.”

Meanwhile, commenting on GSK’s desire to maintain its business growth, Osunkeye said: “the GSK Nigeria Board will focus on selecting a suitable successor that shares the great values of GSK and is committed to maintaining the growth of our business.”

Korte joined GSK from Gillette in early 2005, and has progressed through national accounts and national sales roles.  After running his own business in 2008, Justin returned to head GSK’s Southern Africa business as Group Country Manager.  He was promoted in 2011 to Sales Director, Africa.