British drinks giant Diageo Plc has promoted Kenyan executive John Musunga to managing director for Africa, placing him in charge of the company’s continental business.
The appointment, which takes effect on Wednesday, comes months after Diageo agreed to sell its 65 percent stake in East African Breweries Plc (EABL)for $2.3 billion (Sh296 billion) and its 53.68 percent interest in UDV Kenya for $646 million (Sh83.6 billion) to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings in a deal due to close later this year.
Mr Musunga will relocate from London to Nairobi to oversee Diageo’s operations across Africa, underscoring the company’s decision to retain a regional management presence in Kenya despite divesting from one of its biggest African markets.
Strategic portfolio changes
‘His appointment underscores Diageo’s confidence in Kenya’s position as a leading regional business and financial hub, and its importance in supporting the company’s long-term ambitions across the continent,’ said Diageo in a statement.
Mr Musunga’s promotion also comes as Diageo restructures its African business following a series of strategic portfolio changes aimed at reducing debt and sharpening focus on core operations globally.
The appointee takes the new role after serving as managing director for Diageo’s South, West and Central Africa business, where he oversaw operations across more than 30 African markets.
He previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, one of Diageo’s largest businesses on the continent.
Senior leadership positions
Before moving to Nigeria, Musunga headed Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) after joining Diageo in March 2021 at a time when the brewer was recovering from Covid-19 disruptions.
His tenure at KBL coincided with a rebound in consumer demand as bars, restaurants and entertainment venues reopened after easing of restrictions.
Prior to joining Diageo, Mr Musunga built much of his corporate career at GlaxoSmithKline, serving in senior leadership positions across Africa, Europe and Asia.
His career has included assignments in Kenya, Nigeria, Belgium and South Africa, giving him experience in managing businesses across both developed and emerging markets.