Arla Foods appoints first Ghanaian Managing Director to lead Ghana business 

NIGERIA – Arla Foods, renowned producers of Dano milk variants, has appointed Paul Dowuona as the Managing Director to lead its Ghana business, effective from August 1, 2024.

This appointment marks a milestone for the Ghanaian business as Dowuona becomes the first Ghanaian to head the company’s operations in Ghana since its establishment in 2017. 

Dowuona, who previously served as the Head of West Africa Distributor Sales (Export Sales), brings over 14 years of sales experience to his new role.  

His appointment follows the departure of Vytautas Petronis, who has been appointed Head of Arla Foods’ operations in Indonesia. 

Commenting on the appointment, Anna Månsson, Vice President and Head of West Africa, expressed confidence in Dowuona’s ability to drive growth and lead the Ghana business.  

She highlighted Ghana’s strategic importance as the second most populous country in West Africa, offering significant growth opportunities for Arla Foods. 

Månsson commended the Ghana team for delivering positive earnings despite challenges such as high inflation and currency devaluation.  

“After some difficult years, the Ghana team managed to deliver its first ever positive Earnings Before Interests and Taxes (EBIT) result last year despite a very difficult business environment with record high inflation and currency devaluation. “ 

She expressed gratitude to Vytautas Petronis for his leadership and strategic solutions, wishing him success in his new role. 

“With his passion for good business, extensive experience from Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) businesses in West Africa, his local knowledge from the Ghanian market, energy, and personality,” she said.  

“I’m very happy Paul has agreed to head the Arla Foods business in Ghana and distributor sales to all English-speaking countries in the region.” 

Dowuona expressed his excitement about the new role, emphasizing his commitment to continuing the business’s growth trajectory despite economic challenges.  

With his extensive experience and leadership qualities, Dowuona aims to strengthen Arla Foods’ position in Ghana and drive outstanding results. 

With a stable business platform in place, the focus now shifts towards profitable growth by offering the right consumer products on each channel.  

Dowuona’s leadership, combined with the Ghana team’s expertise, energy, and optimism, is seen to make this vision a reality. 

Dowuona’s career spans various sales roles, including positions at Nestlé and Upfield within the West African sub-region.  

His appointment highlights Arla Foods’ commitment to local talent development and its focus on the Ghanaian market’s growth and success. 

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