British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has announced the appointment of Ruth Owojaiye as Director, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to strong governance, regulatory excellence, and responsible business practices. Prior to her appointment, she served as Head, Regulatory Engagements for BAT West & Central Africa.
In her new role, Ruth will lead BAT Nigeria’s corporate and regulatory affairs function, providing strategic direction across government relations, public policy, corporate communications, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. She will play a critical role in safeguarding the company’s licence to operate, strengthening corporate reputation, and advancing its environmental, social and governance priorities.
Commenting on the appointment, the Managing Director, BATN Yarub Al-Bahrani said: “Ruth’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening our leadership in regulatory engagement, corporate governance, and sustainable business practices. Her depth of experience, strategic insight, and proven ability to navigate complex policy environments make her well-positioned to lead our Corporate and Regulatory Affairs function at a critical time for our business and the industry.”
Ruth brings over two decades of experience across manufacturing and consulting, with deep expertise in legal and regulatory compliance, taxation, public policy, and external affairs. She has a strong track record of aligning global priorities with local business realities to deliver sustainable outcomes.
Commenting on her appointment, Ruth said: “I am honoured to assume this role at such a pivotal time for business, regulation, and sustainability. I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders across sectors to promote balanced regulation, deepen engagement, strengthen constructive dialogue and support a business environment that enables mutually beneficial outcomes for government and business, and long-term value creation.”
Throughout her career, Ruth has played a pivotal role in shaping regulatory outcomes in Nigeria and at global levels. She contributed to the development of balanced regulatory frameworks for fast-moving consumer goods and emerging product categories.
Prior to joining BAT Nigeria, Ruth held senior leadership roles at Nigerian Breweries Plc, where she served as Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager and Group Tax Manager, playing a key role in the successful merger between Nigerian Breweries Plc and Consolidated Breweries Plc and contributed to precedent-setting Tax Appeal Tribunal cases and secured landmark tax holiday approval. She also built a distinguished consulting career at KPMG Nigeria, where she led major tax advisory engagements and supported the entry of multinational consumer brands into Nigeria.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws from University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where she graduated as the best student in 2003. She also holds a Master of Laws from University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2007 and earned an MBA from the Lagos Business School, Nigeria, graduating as the best student in 2025.
Ruth is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to talent development and mentorship, supporting the growth of young professionals and future leaders within and outside the organisation.
