EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

WPP Scangroup appoints Akua Brayie Owusu-Nartey as new group CEO

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

‘Strategic leader and turnaround expert’ to head up full-service marketing group operating in numerous SSA markets.

The Board of Directors of WPP Scangroup has announced the appointment of Akua Brayie Owusu-Nartey as Group Chief Executive Officer and CEO, Ogilvy Africa. She will also be an Executive Director.

This takes effect on 17 November 2025, with Owusu-Nartey succeeding Patricia Ithau, who exited the position in July 2025 to pursue other interests.

Photo: LinkedIn

WPP-Scangroup is a full-service marketing, research, PR and communications group with a physical presence in 23 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It is part of the global WPP group.

Prior to her appointment, Owusu-Nartey was the Chief Client Officer & Head of Connected Culture at Ogilvy Africa and the acting Managing Director (Scanad Kenya).

She has also served in various leadership capacities within WPP Scangroup (Ogilvy Ghana) and Publicis West Africa.

Guiding integrated communications, brand transformation and business growth

In a media statement, she is described as a strategic leader and turnaround expert with over 18 years of experience guiding integrated communications, brand transformation and business growth for leading brands across Africa.

“She has a proven track record of managing large cross-functional teams, revitalising underperforming businesses, and fostering client trust through a commitment to operational excellence and creative delivery – with a career managing teams and clients in markets like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia,” WPP Scangroup says.

“She excels in driving project and programme execution, overseeing activities spanning strategy formation, creative development, public relations and influence, digital initiatives, and integrated marketing communications.”

Owusu-Nartey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Central University College (Ghana) and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Hult International Business School (UK).

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