Rukevwe Toka takes quantum leap from CPG, appointed Marketing Manager, West Africa at VISA

By Zion Rufus

Marketing professional Rukevwe Toka has been appointed Marketing Manager, West Africa at Visa, marking a significant leap from his previous role as Category Development Manager, Culinary – MAGGI, I&R, and New Segments at Nestle.

In his new role as Marketing Manager, Toka will be responsible for managing multiple marketing programs, ensuring maximum traction with clients, developing and executing client marketing initiatives, and planning marketing activities that align with key Visa priorities.

Recently named among Nigeria’s Top Ten Marketing Managers of 2023 by MARKETING EDGE for his relentless focus on creating value and propelling brands to new heights, Toka stands as one of Nigeria’s top marketing professionals. He masterfully employs the best marketing practices and principles to unlock business growth potential.

His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Benin and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of South Wales. His commitment to continuous learning is exemplified by an array of professional development certifications from prestigious global institutions, including INSEAD, The Wharton School, IBM, IE Business School, Google, and Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.

Over the last decade, Toka has demonstrated his prowess across diverse industries, ranging from Technology and Consumer Goods to Telecommunications and Media. Throughout this journey, he has achieved notable milestones while managing some of the world’s most iconic brand portfolios.

His career path has seen him leave an indelible mark at renowned companies, including The HEINEKEN Company, Unilever, and The Coca-Cola Company. Most recently, he has taken on the role of leading strategy, driving profitable revenue growth, and expanding the MAGGI brand in Nigeria, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest seasoning market and the preferred choice of consumers in Nigeria and around the globe.

His impressive list of achievements includes notable “firsts,” such as being the first Nigerian appointed as Head of Insights to pioneer The Heineken Company’s new agency model, the Heineken Digital Engagement Center, in Nigeria. He was also the first Nigerian appointed to Unilever’s Global People Data Center to pioneer its operations in West Africa. Notably, he became the first Nigerian appointed to The Coca-Cola Company’s new Human Insights function as a Shopper Insights Manager for the African Continent. Additionally, Oghenerukevwe holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian appointed to the Global Advisory Board of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council for Sub-Saharan Africa.