Former TotalEnergies communications executive Charles Ebereonwu has been appointed Principal Consultant and Trainer at Cettle Consulting Nigeria Limited, marking a new phase in a career spanning nearly three decades across banking, oil and gas, corporate governance and strategic communications.
Ebereonwu’s transition into consulting and executive training reflects a broader trend of senior corporate professionals moving into advisory roles as Nigerian businesses increasingly seek expertise in leadership, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
Transition From Oil and Gas to Executive Consulting
Ebereonwu spent approximately 25 years at TotalEnergies, including 17 years in corporate communication and external relations leadership roles.
During his tenure, he served as Internal Communication Manager, External Communication Manager, Corporate Communication Manager, External Relations Manager and later Deputy General Manager for External/Country Communication overseeing communication activities for TotalEnergies companies in Nigeria.
His responsibilities included media relations, crisis communication, executive speech writing, stakeholder engagement, leadership coaching and the management of major conferences and corporate events.
The former spokesperson said his new role at Cettle Consulting would focus on helping organisations strengthen communication strategies, leadership effectiveness and stakeholder value creation.
Focus on Leadership, Governance and Corporate Strategy
Ebereonwu said his consulting practice would support corporate organisations, universities, professional institutes and business associations in areas including corporate governance, executive communication, fraud examination, internal controls and strategic leadership.
According to him, effective communication and leadership remain central to long-term shareholder value creation and organisational sustainability.
“With competencies and experiences across communication, governance and leadership, I aim to help organisations formulate and implement strategies that enhance stakeholder value and ultimately strengthen shareholder returns,” he said.
Strong Academic and Professional Background
Ebereonwu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Calabar, a Master’s degree in Financial Management from the University of London and a PhD in International Business Management from the International School of Management, with specialization in entrepreneurship and innovation.
He also completed an executive leadership programme at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in California.
Beyond the corporate sector, Ebereonwu is also an author with published works in poetry and fiction, including Burdens of Solitude, Beyond the Storm, Lost Laurel and This Sugar Is Coated with Quinine.
Expanding Demand for Corporate Advisory Services
Industry analysts say the appointment highlights growing demand in Nigeria for experienced consultants capable of guiding organisations through increasingly complex stakeholder, governance and reputation management environments.
Companies operating in sectors such as energy, finance and public policy are placing greater emphasis on crisis management, leadership communication and sustainability-driven corporate strategy amid rising investor scrutiny and regulatory expectations.
Ebereonwu is also affiliated with several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Management Consultants.