Thompson Ani, a marketing leader at Deekay Group, has been named Marketing Professional of the Year (Home Appliances) at the Brandcom Awards 2026, recognising his contributions to Nigeria’s competitive home appliances market.
The award was presented on Saturday, October 24, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, during a ceremony attended by leading brands, agencies and professionals in Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.
Ani leads marketing across Deekay Group’s business portfolio, including Nexus Appliances, Nexus Power, Saisho, Haano Foods and Rhinobond. The award specifically recognises his work with Nexus Appliances, one of the group’s flagship consumer brands, in a market where local manufacturers compete with established global players.
With over 13 years of marketing experience across consumer electronics, FMCG and multi-brand portfolio management, Ani has built an impressive career in brand development and market growth.
Before joining Deekay Group in 2024, he spent nine years as Marketing Manager at Transsion Holdings, working on TECNO Mobile. During his tenure, TECNO’s Nigerian market share grew from 15 per cent to 43 per cent. He also helped establish strategic partnerships with Google, MTN, MediaTek and MultiChoice. He began his career at Huawei Technologies, where he served as Marketing Supervisor from 2013 to 2015.
Reacting to the recognition, Ani said marketing was fundamentally about understanding people, solving real problems and building lasting relationships.
He dedicated the award to the Nexus Appliances team, dealers across Nigeria, his family and the leadership of Deekay Group, acknowledging their contributions and support.
The Brandcom Awards, organised by Brand Communicator, recognise outstanding brands, agencies and individuals shaping Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry. Established in 2019, the awards operate under the motto, “Prestige, Integrity, Credibility”. Among previous Hall of Fame honourees is advertising pioneer Biodun Shobanjo.