WPP Scangroup Plc has appointed Akua Brayie Owusu-Nartey as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, effective November 17, 2025.
She replaces interim COO Miriam Kaggwa, who led operations following the departure of Patricia Ithau in July.
Owusu-Nartey brings over 18 years of experience across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, with a track record in brand transformation, client engagement, and operational excellence.
“She is a strategic leader with a proven track record in managing large cross-functional teams and turning around underperforming businesses,” the board noted.
A Company in Transition
Her appointment follows a turbulent period for the Nairobi-listed marketing group, marked by:
- Multiple profit warnings
- A sharp share price decline
- Loss of long-term clients, including Airtel Africa, after 15 years
Internal restructuring under Ithau, including the merger of Scangroup and Squad Digital, led to the exit of key creative and tech talent. Many former staff have since launched rival agencies, intensifying competition.
The shelving of digital platforms like Goby and Optimus, which once generated nearly KSh 300 million annually, also signalled a strategic pivot away from innovation.
Financial Snapshot: Half-Year 2025
Owusu-Nartey steps in as WPP Scangroup reported a KSh 208 million loss for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, an improvement from KSh 252 million in 2024.
| Metric | Jun 2025 | Jun 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Profit | KSh 815M | KSh 972M | -16.2% |
| Other Income | KSh 5M | KSh 62M | -91.9% |
| FX Loss | KSh 6M | KSh 251M | -97.4% |
| Loss for Period | KSh 208M | KSh 252M | +17.4% |
| EPS | -0.46 | -0.57 | +19.3% |
| Cash & Equivalents | KSh 1.14B | KSh 2.04B | -44.1% |
Credentials and Career Highlights
Owusu-Nartey holds a BBA in Marketing from Central University College (Ghana) and an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School (UK). Her career includes:
- Chief Client Officer & Head of Connected Culture, Ogilvy Africa
- Acting MD, Scanad Kenya
- Senior roles at Ogilvy Ghana and Publicis West Africa
A Symbol of Change
Her appointment reflects a growing trend of African women ascending to top leadership roles in multinational corporations.
“The Board is confident that the company will benefit from her skills, knowledge, extensive leadership experience, and industry expertise,” said Company Secretary Winnefred Jumba.
Owusu-Nartey is expected to focus on strategic growth, talent development, and digital transformation as she takes the helm of one of Africa’s largest marketing networks.
