AFRICA – British beverage manufacturer, Diageo, has announced the appointment of John Musunga as the head of its newly formed business unit as the company continues increasing its African footprint.
The new market comprises of South, West, and Central Africa (SWC) market, comprising two territories covering Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Diageo’s businesses in West and Central Africa; including the businesses in Ghana, Cameroun, Ethiopia, South Africa, Seychelles, will also be incorporated into the new unit.
The Johny Walker whiskey maker clarified that the new entity is separate from East African Breweries., its operating unit in the east and Guiness Nigeria.
Musunga who has been heading Guinness Nigeria, since October last year and will now take up the role as managing director for SWC and will be based in London.
He currently also serves as a non-executive director at East African Breweries Limited (EABL).
Musunga joined Diageo in 2021 as Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited and most recently steered the Nigeria business through immense socio-economic volatility while delivering performance.
WIth Guinness Nigeria, he was able to deliver the highest engagement scores in Africa and Diageo maybe keen to tap this talent to grow its presence in this newly estabilished region.
Dayalan Nayager, Diageo Africa’s president and Chief commercial officer referred to Musunga as a successful executive leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning over two decades.
“As we launch the new South, West and Central Africa market, I am delighted to announce the appointment of John Musunga, currently CEO & MD Guinness Nigeria, as inaugural Managing Director, effective 1st January 2024,” Nayager said.
Following Musunga’s planned exit, the board of Guiness Nigeria PLC has appointed Adebayo Alli as the incoming managing director and CEO of the company, effective January 1, 2024.
Musunga said, “Even as I look forward with excitement to my new role as the first managing director for Southern, West & Central Africa, I am thrilled for the business of Guinness Nigeria, which I will be leaving in the very capable hands of a strong and committed executive management team.
I am confident that Bayo and the management team will take the business of Guinness Nigeria to even greater heights in the coming years.”