Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh has built a career around something many brands cannot afford to get wrong: communication.
Today, she is the Head of External Affairs, Media and Partnerships for Reckitt, where she oversees communications and partnerships across West, East and parts of Central Africa.
It is a big role, but Cassandra’s career did not start there. With 17 years of experience across marketing, brand management, public relations, media, business strategy and corporate social responsibility, she has worked behind the scenes of some of the biggest consumer brands and campaigns in the country.
Interestingly, she has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Lagos. She later switched gears, earning an MA in Marketing and Business from the University of Derby in the UK, as well as a Senior Executive Leadership Certificate from Oxford University.
Her professional journey began at Neo Media & Marketing in Lagos, where she worked in PR and events management. At the time, she was involved in campaigns and events for brands including Knorr, Close-Up, Lipton, Omo, Star Lager Beer, Gulder, Maltina and Cowbell Milk.
Those early years gave her a front-row seat to the world of brands, consumers and the power of a well-executed campaign. Fast forward to today and Cassandra is leading communications for one of the world’s major consumer health and hygiene companies. At Reckitt, she has worked on major conferences, CSR programmes and brand events involving Dettol, Harpic, JIK, Mortein and Veet.
Her work goes beyond getting brands noticed. Cassandra has also worked with governments and other stakeholders on initiatives connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health, sanitation, food security and partnerships for development.
And if there is one thing her career shows, it is that good communication is as much about people as it is about strategy. Cassandra has built relationships with government officials, journalists, NGOs, celebrities, influencers and other stakeholders, bringing different interests to the table while keeping the objectives of the organisation in view.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she was listed on the Top 50 PR Powerlist in Nigeria and the Top 50 Women in Communications in Nigeria by Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA). The previous year, Brand Communicator named her the Corporate Communications Professional of the Year. She was also recognised among the Top 50 Women in Communications in Nigeria by The Industry Paper.
But Cassandra’s story is not only about boardrooms, campaigns and awards. In 2016, she founded the Primigravida Mother’s Foundation, an initiative supporting less privileged pregnant women with funding, maternity supplies and baby care materials. She also works with local NGOs on initiatives aimed at creating lasting social impact.
For building a career across brands, communications, leadership and social impact, Pride Magazine Nigeria celebrates Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh as our Woman Crush Wednesday.