Azura Power appoints Edu Okeke as managing director

Azura Power West Africa Ltd has appointed Edu Okeke as the new managing director. He takes over from David Ladipo, who had spent more than eight years at the helm of affairs, during which time the company developed, built and commissioned the 461mw Azura-Edo IPP, Nigeria’s first large-scale, privately-financed, independent power plant. Okeke joined Azura […]

Azura Power West Africa Ltd has appointed Edu Okeke as the new managing director.

He takes over from David Ladipo, who had spent more than eight years at the helm of affairs, during which time the company developed, built and commissioned the 461mw Azura-Edo IPP, Nigeria’s first large-scale, privately-financed, independent power plant.

Okeke joined Azura in 2014, as its chief operating officer before becoming deputy managing director in 2016.

Commenting on Okeke’s appointment, his predecessor, Dr. Ladipo, said: “Okeke has already made a huge contribution to the Azura family. In his roles as COO and DMD, he brought an infectious energy to every task he was given. He also brought a wealth of international experience; a commitment to exceptionally high quality standards; well-honed leadership skills; and a seemingly effortless ability to bond with people from all walks of life.

“This combination of humility and charisma, proficiency and passion, perspiration and inspiration, will stand him in good stead as he takes over the leadership of Azura.”

Prior to joining the firm, he had already charted a stellar career path through a succession of blue-chip companies.

His career began 25 years ago, when he joined Guinness Nigeria Plc. as a management trainee based in Lagos. From there he moved to Schlumberger Oilfield Services where he steadily moved up the ranks from a junior field engineer to overseas postings as a senior field services manager in Vietnam and Pakistan.

In 2004, he joined Lafarge Plc. as a business development manager, where he was posted to South Africa, before returning to Lagos and attaining promotion to the post of commercial director.

In 2008, he moved to General Electric where he spent three years as GE’s West Africa Region Manager, before he was posted to France, in 2011, as a commercial leader. One year later, GE brought him back to Africa to head their entire sub-Saharan Power Generation Sales Division.

Okeke holds a BSc in Electronic Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and MBA from Imperial College, London. He is married and has children.