CIMG affirms Executive Chairman of JL Holdings & CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana as Marketing Man and Woman of the Year 2024

The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), has named the executive chairman of JL Holdings, Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay, and the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC, Mrs. Mansa Nettey, respectively as the Marketing Man and Woman of the Year 2024.

The awards were conferred at the 36th CIMG Annual National Marketing Performance Awards recently held at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

The Marketing Man of the Year 2024, Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay, was recognised for his remarkable blend of strategic vision, brand leadership, and customer-centric innovation.

His ability to elevate corporate reputation and establish strong visibility across multiple industries has positioned his brand as a trusted and preferred partner.

His internal marketing initiatives have driven alignment and motivation, while his socially impactful CSR programmes have set new standards for responsible marketing.

Altogether, his achievements reflect a masterful integration of strategy, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership.

The Marketing Woman of the Year 2024, Mrs. Mansa Nettey, was recognised for her visionary leadership, strategic insight, and purpose-driven impact. She has redefined marketing in the financial sector by aligning global challenges with innovative solutions, empowering entrepreneurs, and connecting with emerging social classes through deep customer understanding.

Under her guidance, the brand has grown steadily, with her leadership marked by authenticity, inclusivity, and a commitment to meaningful change.

Also featured on the list of personality awards were the Marketing Practitioner and Marketing Student of the year 2024. The Marketing Practitioner of the year award was presented to Ms. Asiedua Addae, who serves as the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Plc. Meanwhile, the Marketing Student of the year was awarded to Ms. Benedicta Nyame, Head of Business Development, UNIMAC, for being the overall best student in the professional Marketing examinations.

Other awards categories are Hall of Fame, Media/Marketing Communications, Business Organisations, Products, and Not-for-Profit Organisations.

This year’s ceremony was anchored on the theme “Repositioning Brand Ghana: Marketing for Economic Growth and Transformation”, a timely and strategic call to action.

It underscores the critical role marketing plays in shaping Ghana’s national identity, promoting our cultural and economic assets, and unlocking global opportunities.

To reposition Brand Ghana effectively, we must harness the expertise of professionally qualified marketers who serve as the bridge between potential and prosperity, and between local innovation and global relevance.

Addressing both virtual and in-person participants, the National President of CIMG, Mr. Michael Abbiw, called on government to prioritise professional marketing expertise in public sector appointments.

The Institute also announced the launch of a League Table to recognise organisations that actively support their staff’s professional development and membership in CIMG.

On the need for policy reform to embed marketing excellence in governance, Mr. Abbiw appealed to the Chief of Staff: “Hon. Chief of Staff, as the nation’s lead on coordinating government policy, we call for your leadership in championing a national policy mandating professional marketing expertise in all marketing related public sector appointments. Such a policy will embed marketing excellence at the core of Ghana’s economic transformation.”

On the importance of professional marketing qualifications and organisational commitment, the National President of CIMG stated: “I urge you to commit decisively to supporting your marketers in obtaining these essential qualifications.

By investing in their professional development, you are investing directly in the growth and transformation of Brand Ghana. The quality of marketing in Ghana will only rise to the level of professional competence that we collectively demand and support.”

On the inclusion of marketers in governance structures, the Institute made a strong case: “We implore you to establish a policy requiring the mandatory inclusion of professional marketers on all relevant state and public sector boards. This decisive policy move will drive a marketing orientation into governance that supports national economic goals.”

The CIMG reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and stakeholders to ensure marketing becomes a central pillar in Ghana’s economic development strategy.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, was ably represented by Nana Yaa Jantuah, Presidential Staffer, who delivered his remarks at the ceremony.

On the strategic role of marketers in shaping Ghana’s future, Nana Yaa Jantuah acknowledged the profound influence of marketing professionals on national development: “I am deeply inspired by the critical role you play as custodians of our national narrative and architects of our economic future. Your work transcends traditional marketing, as you are the storytellers who shape how the world perceives Ghana, the strategists who position our industries for global competitiveness, and the innovators who drive our economic transformation agenda.”

Emphasising the importance of strategic marketing in Ghana’s development journey, she highlighted the Government’s perspective: “The Government recognises that in today's interconnected world, a nation's brand is its most valuable asset. Ghana's journey toward economic independence and sustainable prosperity depends significantly on how effectively we market our strengths, opportunities, and unique value proposition to both domestic and international audiences.”

Reflecting on President Mahama’s economic vision, Nana Yaa Jantuah called on marketers to rise to the challenge: “The Reset Agenda calls for a bold reorientation of our economy, anchored on industrialisation, job creation, export-led growth, and the full harnessing of Ghana’s human and natural capital. It is a vision that challenges every sector, and especially the marketing profession, to rethink strategies, realign priorities, and champion the kind of innovation that will reposition Ghana not just as a participant but as a leader in Africa’s economic renaissance.”

She added that “the Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for the marketing profession to thrive. Through policy reforms, digital infrastructure development, and support for creative industries, we continue to provide the foundation upon which your transformative work can flourish”.

This year, there were no winners in four categories as entries submitted by players in these industries did not meet the minimum standard criteria for Evaluation: Finance House, Telecommunications (Allied & Support Services), Airline of The Year (International) and Airline of The Year (Domestic).

A BRIEF ABOUT CIMG

The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) was founded in July 1981 with the vision to be the voice of marketing practice in Ghana under the Professional Bodies Registration Act 1973 (NRCD143).

The Institute aims at seeing both private and public organizations embrace the marketing concept and be marketing-oriented in their operations. In 2020, the CIMG received a Presidential Charter by the passage of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana Act, 2020 (Act 1021) with the main objects to set standards for the practice of marketing and to regulate the practice of the marketing profession in the country.

In 2023, the CIMG Regulations (L.I. 2479) was passed by the Parliament of Ghana and has therefore come into force to enable the Institute execute its mandate and functions as stipulated in the CIMG ACT 2020 (Act 1021).

Marketing is fundamental to the success of any business and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana, plays a major role in promoting the marketing profession, encouraging organisations to strive towards maintaining international standards in their marketing practice.