ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwean wine and spirits manufacturer, African Distillers Limited (Afdis) has announced the appointment of Stanley Muchenje as the Managing Director of the company with effect from 1 April 2021.

Stan will be taking over the helm of the organization from Cecil Gombera who retires from the company effect from 31 March 2021.

Cecil joined the Afdis in October 2012 as the Chief Operating Officer. On 01 July 2013 he was appointed as the Managing Director, a position he held for 8 years.

“The Board is grateful to him for his significant strategic leadership and contribution towards business growth and wishes Cecil a happy and fulfilling retirement,” said the company.

African Distillers Limited recorded a 39 percent increase in sales volume

The appointee is a marketer by profession who joins Afdis from Delta Corporation where he was the Sales Executive.

He spent two years on secondment to SABMiller during which he had the opportunity to manage beer brands in various markets across Africa and distinguished himself by winning the prestigious SABMiller Mercutus Award.

“The company stands to benefit from his wealth of experience,” highlighted Afdis.

Stan holds a Business Studies Honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe as well as an M. Phil Marketing from IMM (SA).

He has attended various senior management programmes including the Accelerated Leadership Development Programme at the GIBS Business School.

In the half year period ended December 2020, Afdis recorded a 39 percent increase in sales volume compared to the prior period, with minimal disruption to operations during Covid-19 lockdown periods.

The growth in volumes was largely driven by spirits and ciders which grew by 57 percent while wines volume declined by 22 percent largely as a result of reduced activity in hotel and restaurant channels compounded by supply disruption due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Its revenue was up 40 percent to ZW$1.7 billion (US$4.6m) while operating income increased by eight percent to ZW$304 million (US$840,000).

The company’s founding organization was established in 1944 and its activities originally centred around the sale and distribution of imported spirits, liqueurs and wines.

Local production of a range of spirits commenced in 1946 and African Distillers Limited became a public-quoted company in 1951.

It offers its customers a first-class distribution service, with six depots located in strategic economic hubs in Zimbabwe (Bulawayo, Harare, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Mutare and Victoria Falls).

Its headquarters, manufacturing plant, warehouse and distribution facilities are in Stapleford, an industrial area on the outskirts of Harare.

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