President Bola Tinubu has recently authorized the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers to oversee various agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. This strategic move aligns with his vision to rejuvenate Nigeria’s economy, focusing on expanding trade and supporting the growth of industries of all scales across the nation.
Among the newly appointed executives is Kamar Bakrin, who will take the helm at the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC). Bakrin stands out due to his impressive journey and extensive professional background. He is a seasoned executive with a diverse career spanning multiple industries, showcasing a remarkable blend of knowledge, expertise, and dedication.
Academic Background:
Kamar Bakrin’s journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ilorin. During his university years, he was not only a diligent student but also actively engaged in extracurricular activities, serving as the Vice President of AIESEC and a valuable contributor to the Basketball Team. His multifaceted involvement early on laid the foundation for his future leadership roles.
With his academic foundation, Bakrin furthered his aspirations by pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Columbia University. His time at Columbia allowed him to delve deeper into the intricacies of business and leadership, and he actively participated in various student associations, including the Private Equity Club, Energy Roundtable, and Black Business Students Association.
Career:
After completing his education, Bakrin’s career journey led him through finance, consulting, energy, and investment sectors. He commenced his career as an Experienced Audit and Business Advisory Senior at Arthur Andersen (now KPMG), where he honed his skills in financial management and advisory services.
He then accepted a new challenge as a Category Financial Manager at Colgate Palmolive, gaining valuable experience in corporate finance and management. His career path subsequently took him to The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he worked as a Consultant, contributing his insights and strategic thinking to one of the world’s most renowned management consulting firms.
An exciting turn in his career occurred when he joined Ocean and Oil Holdings (now Oando Plc) as EVP, Head of Corporate Development. Here, he played a pivotal role in complex post-merger integration and synergy realization, showcasing his expertise in strategic leadership.
The next phase of his career unfolded at Oando Plc, where he held various roles. Initially, he served as Chief Operating Officer, driving the migration to a higher-margin product portfolio and establishing a foundation for an execution-driven culture. Later, as Managing Director/CEO of Oando Energy Services, he managed the transformation of the company into a proper oilfield services business, demonstrating his ability to lead and drive business growth.
From 2013 to 2018, Bakrin played a crucial role as Group Executive for Infrastructure/Resources Businesses at Helios Investment Partners, contributing his expertise to the development and management of infrastructure and resource businesses. Subsequently, in January 2019, he continued to make an impact as an Operating Partner at Vios Equity Partners, leveraging his extensive experience and acumen to influence the organization’s strategies and direction.
