LBD Start Up Bodyshop Enters New Chapter With Leadership Transition

Life By Design (LBD) Start Up Bodyshop has entered a new phase in its corporate journey following the formal handover of leadership from Founder and Executive Chairman, Joe Abass Bangura, FCCA, to Raphael Marrah, the company’s new Managing Director and Co-Founder.

The leadership transition marks a significant milestone in the development of the company and reflects its commitment to building a sustainable institution capable of supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses and contributing to Sierra Leone’s growing enterprise ecosystem.

The formal handover was announced in a letter dated September 18, 2026, in which Mr Bangura expressed confidence in Mr Marrah’s leadership and his ability to advance the company’s vision.

Describing the occasion as one of the most significant moments in a founder’s life, Mr Bangura said the transition represented the beginning of a new chapter for an institution he had conceived, built and led.

“Today, before our team and friends, I formally place into your hands the leadership of Start Up Bodyshop, a company I conceived, built, and have led with everything I had,” Mr Bangura stated.

Reflecting on their working relationship since May, Mr Bangura praised Mr Marrah’s competence, character and commitment, saying he was confident in his ability to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

He stressed that the company was never intended to become a monument to one individual, but rather an institution capable of serving entrepreneurs and creating lasting value beyond the tenure of its founder.

“Every founder dreams of building something bigger than themselves, a dream large enough that it no longer depends on the dreamer,” he noted.

At the handover ceremony, Mr Marrah expressed appreciation to Mr Bangura for his trust, leadership and the opportunity to take forward an institution established around the empowerment of entrepreneurs.

He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his new role and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the company’s founding vision while positioning it for greater growth, innovation and impact.

“Taking on this responsibility is both an honour and a commitment. We are building on a strong foundation, and our ambition is to take Life By Design Start Up Bodyshop to the next level. Our focus will remain on helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sierra Leone,” Mr Marrah said.

He also called on members of the team to embrace the transition as a collective opportunity to grow, innovate and deliver greater value to the entrepreneurs, businesses and partners they serve.

In his handover message, Mr Bangura urged the incoming Managing Director to lead boldly, safeguard the company’s founding values and build upon the foundation already established.

He challenged Mr Marrah to go beyond maintaining the company’s existing achievements and pursue greater impact, particularly in expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening the institution’s contribution to business development.

The leadership transition underscores the importance of continuity, trust and shared purpose in building institutions that can thrive beyond their founders.

For Mr Marrah, the new responsibility provides an opportunity to strengthen LBD Start Up Bodyshop’s operations, broaden its support for entrepreneurs and deepen its contribution to enterprise development in Sierra Leone.

The transition therefore represents not an end to the company’s founding vision, but the beginning of a new phase focused on institutional growth, expanded entrepreneurial support and long-term sustainability.

Under Mr Marrah’s leadership, Life By Design (LBD) Start Up Bodyshop is expected to continue its work of helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses capable of growing, creating opportunities and contributing to Sierra Leone’s wider economic development.