Guinness Nigeria Plc has notified The Nigerian Stock Exchange that its current Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. John O’Keeffe has been promoted President, Diageo Africa, joining the Diageo Executive Committee and reporting to Dr. Nick Blazquez, President Africa and Asia. The Managing Directors of Diageo’s 4 African markets (Nigeria, South Africa, East Africa and African Regional Markets – rest of Africa), as well the Regional Finance Director, Africa, will report to John with effect from 1st July 2015. The appointment takes effect from 1st July 2015.
Mr. O’Keeffe last year replaced Mr Seni Adetu as CEO following drop in margins and profitability as the company faced up the intense competition from the value brand segments. This current move which surprised us sees the company take on a new man at the helm of affairs at a crucial point in its operations for the year.
The Company also states that Mr. O’Keeffe will continue as a Non-Executive Director of Guinness Nigeria and as the Diageo executive responsible for Diageo’s African business he will continue to stay involved with the Nigerian business.
Guinness Nigeria Plc has also announced the appointment of Mr. Soren Lauridsen as Mr. O’Keeffe’s successor. Soren Lauridsen joins Guinness Nigeria Plc from Carlsberg . Mr. Lauridsen will resume in May 2015 and will work.
