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.

Akua Brayie Owusu-Nartey

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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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.