Istanbul, Türkiye, May 2026 – R. Murali Rao has stepped into his new role as Head of Brand & Innovation for Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET) at Opella, also serving as Regional Marketing Director – AMET. In this role, he will lead brand strategy and innovation across key self-care categories, driving growth and strengthening Opella’s presence across diverse markets in the region.
R. Murali Rao has been associated with Opella for over two years, where he has played a key role in shaping marketing and innovation strategy. Prior to this elevation, he served as Zone Marketing Lead – Turkey, Middle East & Africa, leading marketing for digestive wellness and liver health portfolios while contributing to the broader Brand & Innovation leadership agenda.
Before joining Opella, he spent over a decade with FrieslandCampina, where he held multiple leadership roles across the Middle East and Africa. As Head of Brand & Media for MENA, he led master brand strategy and integrated media initiatives, driving growth for iconic regional brands. He also served as Category Marketing Head and Regional Marketing Manager, managing key dairy and nutrition portfolios and delivering strong business performance across markets.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Reckitt, where he held roles in customer development and brand activation across India, Nepal, and Indonesia, gaining strong experience in commercial strategy, key account management, and market expansion.
Murali holds an MBA in Sales and Marketing from the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, equipping him with a strong foundation in strategic marketing and brand leadership.
Opella is a global self-care healthcare company and one of the leading players in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) and Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market. Headquartered in France, the company operates with a portfolio of over 100 trusted brands and serves half a billion consumers worldwide. With a strong global presence supported by manufacturing sites and innovation centers, Opella is committed to making self-care simple, accessible, and effective while contributing to healthier people and a sustainable planet.
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