The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Girish Sharma, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2025 National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit and Edge Awards. The announcement was made by Marketing Edge Publications on Tuesday in Lagos, confirming the lineup of speakers and themes for this year’s edition.
The 13th edition of the National Marketing Summit will hold virtually on September 25, 2025, with the theme “AI Integration: Leveraging New Technologies to Achieve Business Objectives.” The follow-up event, the Edge Awards, will take place physically on September 26 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos. The awards will hold under the theme “Excellence Beyond Borders” and are expected to celebrate outstanding achievements in marketing, creativity, and business innovation.
Mr Girish Sharma, who assumed office as the MD and CEO of Guinness Nigeria in October 2024, will be delivering a keynote presentation on how artificial intelligence can transform business operations, drive growth, and enhance efficiency in a fast-changing market. Sharma is well regarded for his over 20 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, and organisers believe his insights will inspire industry stakeholders at this year’s gathering.
Other confirmed speakers for the summit include Mr Baba Awopetu, a strategy consultant at Stragmar, London; Dr Tola Bamigbaye Elatuyi, Chief Executive of the Society for Corporate Governance in Nigeria; Mr Preetesh Sewraj, Chief Executive Officer of Loeries; and Mr Osato-Evbuomwan, Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy Nigeria Limited. The session will be moderated by Mr Ozone Mbanefo, Founder and Provost of 02 Academy Nigeria, who has been instrumental in shaping creative and marketing education in the country.
Another high-level session of the summit, themed “New Creator Value: A Re-assessment of Traditional Creative Industry,” will be anchored by the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Obi Asika, as keynote speaker. The panel for this session will feature key voices from the creative industry such as Dr Akintunde-Johnson Bada, Country Manager of Paramount Africa; Mr Femi Odugbemi, Founder of Zuri 24 Media; Mr Remi Ogunpitan, Founder of IBST Limited; Mr Samuel Onyemelukwe, Group Business Development Director at Trace West Africa; and Mr Dare Art Alade, Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool 360. The discussion will be moderated by Mr Peter Osarimen Ukhurebor, Chief Executive Officer of Black At, based in the United States.
Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge Publications, Mr John Ajayi, explained that the summit and awards have become landmark annual events in Nigeria’s marketing industry calendar. He noted that the events consistently attract experts, professionals, and decision-makers from marketing communications, FMCG, manufacturing, real estate, academia, and government institutions.
“We are thrilled to have Mr Girish Sharma, with his vast experience and leadership across the FMCG landscape, as our keynote speaker for the 2025 summit. His knowledge and expertise will add immense value to our audience, and we are confident he will provide deep insights into the role of AI and technology in business growth,” Ajayi said in a statement.
Organisers disclosed that this year’s summit is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants globally, connecting industry leaders, professionals, and young innovators. The virtual format is designed to create inclusivity and give participants worldwide access to discussions on AI, digital transformation, and new market trends.
The Marketing Edge Awards, which will follow the summit, are designed to honour brands, agencies, individuals, and organisations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and creativity in the marketing and communications industry. The event is also expected to showcase how Nigerian brands are breaking boundaries and competing on international platforms.
The National Marketing Summit and Edge Awards have grown into one of the most respected platforms in Nigeria’s marketing and creative landscape. The inclusion of topics such as artificial intelligence, digital integration, and the evolving value of creators highlights the shift in the global business environment. Stakeholders are expected to use the platform to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and explore new partnerships that will shape the future of marketing and communications in Nigeria and beyond.
