ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of AB InBev, has made changes in its leadership team with the appointment of Michelle Kilpin, who is currently Innovation Director – Africa Zone for AB InBev, to be its new Country Director.
Ms. Kilpin replaces Jose Moran who has held the position since September 2017 and will be leaving the business to take up a new appointment at the same capacity in the brewer’s sister company, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL).
The new appointee has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Johannesburg.
She joined the world’s leading brewing company in 2004 as a Sales Representative at South Africa Breweries, progressing to Formal On-Premise Channel Manager before directly working under AB InBev as Regional Director, Trade Marketing Director – South Africa, and then her current role.
The Zambian Breweries Board of Directors commended Mr Moran on his role in the last four years, during which time he has overseen continued investment and expansion of production and a strong focus on sales and marketing.
Also, he had a genuine implementation of the AB InBev Group’s Better World strategy through sourcing of ingredients from local farmers, water stewardship, and a high-profile responsible drinking campaign.
Mr Moran leaves the company at a time it is determined to grow the country’s manufacturing sector despite the harsh economic conditions, by investing in projects that stir production and boost the local value chain.
The country’s largest brewery has launched a multi-million-dollar expansion project to address growing demand and improve quality, further stamping its dominance in the local alcohol industry.
The maker of Mosi and Eagle Lager seeks to upgrade its Lusaka and Ndola plants with cutting-edge technology, to increase its annual brewing capacity by a third and address beer shortages across the country.
The expansion project worth US$18 million has been in the making for over a year but disruptions in imports and working conditions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak forced the project’s postponement to this year.
The colossal investment includes six new vast fermentation vessels with the capacity of 240,000 litres of beer each, and modern brewing equipment to increase efficiency and quality.
Meanwhile, the iconic and truly Zambian beer that is well loved at home and abroad, Mosi Premium Lager has taken on an exciting refreshed look.
Inspired by the vast greens in the beautiful country, the popular beer has decided to go green as a step to not only tasting great but also keeping up with the times and offering a progressive and stylish looking beer.
Undertaking one of his last assignments at the company, Jose Moran stated during the launch, “Identifying Mosi Premium Lager with a colour that symbolises our national spirit of oneness is an effort to combine the youthful energy of the beer with the green elements in our everyday lives as Zambians.”
Mosi Premium Lager will embark on highlighting the diversity in the greens across the country in promotional activities that will showcase the new look and high energy of the brand.