United Airlines Announces Leadership Changes in Africa

Ms Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe now Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa

United Airlines has announced “key leadership changes across its team in Africa, reflecting the importance of this region within the airline’s international route network and its commitment to driving growth and innovation across the continent, alongside its joint venture and alliance partners.”

The airline says it is “aligning its Sales Leadership Team across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, with the appointment of Amit Badiani as Head of Africa and Offline Sales, responsible for the overall leadership of United’s Africa business, as well as the expansion of Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe’s role as Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana and now, South Africa.”

Thorsten Lettnin, Director Sales, Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel and India at United Airlines said: “With over 19 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Badiani brings a wealth of expertise and strategic direction to our team as we build on our success in Africa. This will further build on our close partnerships with key trade and airline partners as we expand our presence in soon to be four online countries across Africa, including Morocco from October 2024.”
Lettnin said “Bola-Sadipe has over 15 years’ experience in the aviation business and is a highly respected and well-established leader with a proven track record in the industry. In her new role, I know that Oluwatomi will continue her great success in sales efforts across Africa.”

In South Africa, “Penny Alexandrou has been appointed as United’s General Manager, Johannesburg, responsible for United’s operations at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.”

Mark Clays, Regional Director Airport Operations, Europe, Israel and Africa at United Airlines said: “We are delighted to welcome Penny Alexandrou to our Johannesburg operations. Penny is bringing more than 24 years of industry experience to her new role and will be instrumental in leading our team towards continued service excellence.”
The airline says these “leadership changes come as United this year marks the fifth anniversary of its Cape Town – New York/Newark service, third anniversary of its Johannesburg – New York/Newark service and expands its presence on the second largest continent in the world, adding Marrakesh, Morocco to its network in Africa from 25 October 2024.

United also operates routes from Cape Town, South Africa to New York/Newark and Washington D.C and connects Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with Washington D.C.