Nigeria auto journalists express shock over Globe Motors CEO’s passing

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) says it is shocked by the news of the death of William Anumudu, chairman and chief executive of Globe Motors Holdings Limited, one of the largest automobile franchise owners in the country.

Globe’s franchise dealerships include Mercedes, Toyota, Hyundai and the Higer brands. Anumudu died in the early hours ofTuesday, April 21, 2020.

In a statement issued by Mike Ochonma, chairman, NAJA said the death of Anumudu is a big shock and loss, not only to the local and foreign automotive community where he has made tremendous impact in the past 30 years, but also to Nigeria.

Available information available to business a.m. indicates that the late Anumudu has been traveling abroad for treatment over an undisclosed illness since last year.

The billionnaire businessman was reported ill and tested negative to COVID-19 and was to be flown to Germany before his death. Aged 68, he hailed from Mbaitoli near Owerri, the Imo State capital and married was to Nkiru Anumudu.

The couple have four children, Uzoma, Enyinna, Zinna and Zikky. The late Anumudu, *business a.m.* learnt, battled with ill health for sometime but that this deteriorated some days ago. Amid plans to move him abroad for better medical attention, he died.

The success story of Globe Motors began in March 1984 when William Anumudu, registered the company with a mission to transform the undeserved Nigerian automobile industry. Over three decades later, Globe Motors has surpassed its initial aspirations and the company continues to set the pace in the evolution of the country’s automobile sector. The automobile conglomerate are partners to leading multinationals and several public sector institutions.

Presently, Globe Motors is one of the largest dealer in Mercedes-Benz and Toyota segments, and it’s also the sole distributor of Higer vehicles brand in Nigeria.

Globe Motors has the financial muscle required to meet local demand for new vehicles within its brand segments.