Ismael Bello

Ismael is a seasoned Sales and Marketing Professional with over 20 years’ experience across different African and Middle Eastern countries.

Ismael joined Mars Incorporated, the world leading Chocolate and Gum manufacturer, in 2010. He worked in the regional office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as the Regional Marketing Lead. He later served as the Head of Business in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar and the Regional Marketing Director for the Middle Eastern Countries. He was the Head of Business for West Africa before his appointment as General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mars Wrigley.

Ismael’s contributions to brand building have been acknowledged through both internal and external awards, among which are the Best Brand Award from the Nigerian Institute of Marketing and the Best Campaign in the Africa, India, and Middle East (AIME) region of the Mars Inc business.

Ismael’s career started with Unilever Nigeria Plc, a leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods Company, as a Management Trainee 21 years ago. During his stay with Unilever, he managed major brands like Close Up, Lux, Vaseline, across many geographies in the Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET) Region. His last posting with Unilever was as the Regional Brand Development lead for the AMET region based out of Durban, South Africa where he led key projects like the introduction of the Omo Concentrated Detergent.

He studied at the Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile Ife) where he obtained his first degree in Physics, and later at the Manchester Business School, (Manchester) where he earned his Master’s in Business Administration. An avid learner, his learning interest has driven him to attend numerous trainings and workshops across different parts of the world – Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Greece and many more.

Ismael loves to read, travel, and watch Football.