Nigeria: SBC Appoints Lovelyn Okoye as Senior Sustainability Manager

A soft drinks manufacturer, Seven Up Bottling Company (SBC) has appointed Engr. Lovelyn Okoye as its new Senior Sustainability Manager.

This appointment highlights the growing importance of sustainability in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

Also, the strategic hire marks an important moment for SBC as it aims to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices.

Okoye, a seasoned sustainability expert with over 12 years of experience, joins SBC after a distinguished career at Dangote Cement Plc (DCP), where she most recently served as the Group Sustainability and Environment Manager for the company. Her transition to SBC represents not just a personal career milestone but also signals a broader shift for SBC in further prioritizing sustainability.

During her tenure at Dangote Cement, Okoye established herself as a formidable force in corporate sustainability. Her impressive track record includes spearheading numerous initiatives that not only benefited DCP but also had far-reaching impacts on local communities and the environment. Notable among her achievements was the establishment of a hand sanitizer and liquid soap production unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, which served both the Ibese plant and its host community.

Her expertise extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass the full spectrum of sustainability practices. She has been instrumental in driving decarbonization efforts, launching circular economy initiatives, and spearheading community empowerment projects. Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including 11 internal awards at DCP – a fitting tribute to her contributions to social performance, sustainability, and health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) practices.

In her new role at SBC, Okoye is expected to bring this wealth of experience to bear on the company’s sustainability efforts. She expressed enthusiasm about joining SBC, citing the company’s culture of innovation and its commitment to community development as key factors in her decision, in a LinkedIn post. “Seven Up Bottling Company’s SABI values – Strive, Accountability, Bonding, and Innovation – resonate deeply with me,” she stated. “I’m thrilled to be positioned to fire on positive differences in the lives of all our stakeholders!”

For her, this new chapter represents an opportunity to expand her influence and continue her mission of creating a more sustainable world. “I’m excited to bring my expertise, experience, and passion for sustainability to Seven Up Bottling Company,” she said. “Together, we aim to drive sustainable excellence that will impact the triple bottom line of the organization and the industry at large.”

SBC’s decision to bring Okoye on board aligns with growing global pressure on corporations to address environmental concerns and adopt more sustainable business models. The move also highlights the growing recognition of sustainability as a core business function rather than a peripheral concern. The beverage industry, in particular, faces scrutiny over issues such as plastic waste and water usage. Okoye’s appointment is seen as a proactive step by SBC in its ongoing efforts in addressing these challenges head-on.