Brewing giant Diageo has appointed Kenyan international business executive, John Musunga, to head its newly formed South, West and Central Africa (SWC) market. Musunga, who currently serves as the CEO and MD of Guinness Nigeria and a non-executive director at East African Breweries Limited (EABL), will assume the role of managing director for Diageo SWC and be based in London. This appointment comes as part of operational changes within Diageo Africa.
Diageo has reorganized its operating region into three markets: EABL, which remains unchanged; Guinness Nigeria, focused on beer and mainstream spirits; and the new SWC market. The SWC business market covers Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, as well as West and Central Africa, including countries like Ghana, Cameroun, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Seychelles.
Diageo Africa President and Chief Commercial Officer Dayalan Nayager described Musunga as a highly regarded and successful executive leader with over two decades of knowledge and leadership experience in the Africa region. The new SWC market will be officially launched on January 1, 2024, with Musunga taking on his new role.
Musunga expressed his excitement about his appointment and assured the Guinness Nigeria board that he is leaving the business in capable hands, with Adebayo Alli stepping in as the incoming managing director and CEO. Musunga joined Diageo in 2021, initially serving as the managing director of Kenya Breweries Ltd, and later leading the Nigeria business through challenging socio-economic circumstances.
This strategic appointment demonstrates Diageo’s commitment to the African market and its recognition of the valuable expertise and leadership that individuals like Musunga bring to the table. It also positions Diageo for further growth and success in the dynamic and diverse African market.
As Diageo expands its presence in South, West, and Central Africa, the company continues to build on its legacy of providing high-quality beverages to consumers across the continent. With Musunga at the helm of the new SWC market, Diageo is well-positioned to seize new opportunities, strengthen its brand portfolio, and further cement its position as a leader in the African alcoholic beverage industry.
