Kenya: Diageo appoints John Musunga as MD for SWC

A Kenyan international business executive, John Musunga has been appointed to lead Diageo Africa’s newly established market covering South, West, and Central Africa (SWC).

In line with Diageo Africa’s revamped operating model, John Musunga, who has been overseeing Guinness Nigeria since October last year and holds a non-executive director position at East African Breweries Limited (EABL), will now take on the role of Managing Director at Diageo South, West, and Central Africa (SWC).

The company has restructured its operating regions into three markets; East African Breweries Limited (EABL), maintaining its existing structure; Guinness Nigeria, responsible for marketing beer and mainstream spirits; and the newly established South, West, and Central Africa (SWC) hub.

In a communique, Diageo Africa’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, Dayalan Nayager, described Musunga as a highly regarded and successful executive leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience spanning over two decades across the Africa region.

He added that in the new Diageo Africa operating model, the newly formed SWC business market will comprise two territories covering Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean and West and Central Africa, including the businesses in Ghana, Cameroun, Ethiopia, South Africa, Seychelles, among others.

“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,” he said.

In preparation for Musunga’s departure in Nigeria, the Board of Guinness Nigeria PLC has disclosed the appointment of Adebayo Alli as the incoming Managing Director and CEO, effective January 1 of the upcoming year.

“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”, Musunga said.

Musunga, joined Diageo in 2021 as the Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited. He successfully navigated the Nigerian business through significant socio-economic challenges. Under his leadership, the business achieved high performance, garnered the highest engagement scores in Africa and within Diageo, all while prioritizing talent development.

Before his tenure at Diageo, Musunga enjoyed a highly successful career at GSK, holding several senior global and regional positions.