Etihad Airways appoints new general manager for Nigeria

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Mrs Wuraola Oduntan as its new General Manager for Nigeria. The appointment takes effect from 1 July 2014. 

Based in Lagos, Wuraola Oduntan will have overall responsibility for Etihad Airways’ operations in Nigeria, taking over from Mr Maurice Phohleli who was recently appointed Vice President, Africa Sub-Sahara and Indian Ocean for Etihad Airways. 

Mrs Oduntan brings a wealth of industry experience to the airline, having previously worked at Virgin Atlantic Nigeria, where she held a number of positions, including Head of Sales and Marketing. 

Commenting on the appointment, Maurice Phohleli, said: “We welcome Wuraola to our global commercial team. Her experience in the Nigerian market is invaluable and I am confident she will make a significant contribution in continuing to build our presence in Nigeria and across the West Africa region.” 

Mrs Oduntan has a BSc in Accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and also holds an MBA from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. 

Etihad Airways launched its service between Lagos and Abu Dhabi on 1 July 2012 with six flights a week enhancing the links between Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and the United Arab Emirates. 

The airline recognises the importance of the West African region and in March 2013 expanded its flights to Lagos to a daily service to meet growing demand from passengers travelling to and from Nigeria.