Tantalizers Plc has taken a significant step in its journey toward transformation by announcing the appointment of Dutch national Robert Speijer as the Group Managing Director (GMD). Joining him is Charles Olayemi Ifidon, who will serve as Group Deputy Managing Director (DMD) and Managing Director/CEO of Tantalizers Foods and Retails. These strategic leadership changes were unveiled on November 14, 2024, via a disclosure on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) platform, signed by the acting company secretary, Barrister Eze Nwa-Uwa.
The announcement also revealed other key appointments: Bamidele Oke has been re-appointed as Executive Director of Finance, while Olusegun Ekundayo, previously General Manager of Operations, has been elevated to Executive Director overseeing operations.
According to the company’s statement, these appointments, effective October 29, 2024, are pending shareholder ratification during the upcoming annual general meeting.
Robert Speijer— A Seasoned Leader for Transformation
Robert Speijer brings over 30 years of experience spanning industries such as the blue economy, oil and gas, and maritime sectors. His notable roles include serving as Group Executive Director at Jagal Group and NigerDock and as Vice President for Africa at Inchcape Shipping Services. With an engineering background from the Merchant Navy Academy in the Netherlands, Speijer is also a certified blue economy professional.
Under his leadership, Tantalizers Plc wants to diversify its operations beyond food and retail into the entertainment and blue economy sectors.
A Visionary in Food and Hospitality
Charles Olayemi Ifidon, the new DMD and CEO, also brings extensive experience, with over three decades in hospitality, logistics, and agriculture. A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, he previously led Roadnetwork Global Resources Limited and De-Vine Hotels, now part of Presken Hotels Chain. Known for his entrepreneurial acumen, Ifidon’s appointment aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance its footprint in food and hospitality.
Commenting on these appointments, Alhaji Adam Nuru, Chairman of Tantalizers Plc, expressed optimism about the new team’s ability to steer the company toward growth. “The newly constituted Board is excited to have all these professionals serve in this Tantalizers Plc transformation journey,” he remarked, adding that stakeholders anticipate the creation of a diversified food and entertainment group.
The Future?
This leadership overhaul comes on the heels of a significant financial intervention. Tantalizers Plc recently secured over ₦1 billion in private equity funding from Messrs Food Specialties and Organics Limited and Banklink Africa Private Equities Limited, marking a turning point for the company. These funds aim to stabilize operations, address its financial challenges, and support its restructuring process.
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