By InvestAdvocate
Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)-Nigeria’s top brewer, Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Soren Lauridsen as its new chief executive officer (CEO), according to a letter dated Thursday April 16, 2015 signed by Babatunde Savage, chairman of the company to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
This is coming on the heels of the promotion of John O’Keeffe, managing director/CEO of Guinness to the position of president, Diageo Africa, joining the Diageo executive committee and reporting into Nick Blazquez, president Africa and Asia.
According to the brewer, the MDs of Diageo’s four (4) African markets (Nigeria, South Africa, East Africa and African Regional Markets- rest of Africa), as well the regional finance directors, Africa, will report to O’Keeffe with effect from July 01, 2015.
Guinness says O’Keeffe’s appointment takes effect from1st July, 2015.
The nation’s top brewer affirmed that since his resumption in role as Guinness Nigeria’s MD/CEO in November 2014, O’Keeffe’s has been engaged primarily with sustaining the recovery of the business, building a fit for purpose commercial organisation and improving employee morale and engagement. “Growing and broadening our innovation portfolio has also been a key area of focus for Mr O’Keeffe. Mr O’Keeffe will continue as a non-executive director of Guinness Nigeria and as the Diageo executive responsible for Diageo’s African business, will continue to stay involved with Nigerian business,” the company added.
Savage commenting on the appointment of Lauridsen said he is delighted he succeeded O’Keeffe.
“Lauridsen joins Guinness Nigeria Plc Carlsberg and brings with him considerable experience in the beer category and knowledge of emerging markets. During his 10year career at Carlsberg, Soren held senior leadership roles including Regional CEO of South Asia, based in Bangkok and Managing Director for Carlsberg India. Mr Lauridsen also has leadership experience of working for Carlsberg in Laos and Poland. Prior to working at Carlsberg, Soren worked as Category Director for Orkla Foods covering Nordics and Eastern Europe for 3years and held several leadership positions in Unilever Foods for 13 years,” Guinness Nigeria noted.
The brewer affirmed that Lauridsen is thrilled at the opportunity to work in Nigeria and lead this exciting business. “We believe that his record as managing director in a globally renowned beer business as well as significant emerging market experience will serve him well in the role.
The company says he will resume in May 2015 and will work alongside O’Keeffe until the end of the financial year on June 30, 2015 to ensure a smooth transition.
“We would very much appreciate your bringing this communication to the attention of the relevant stakeholders in the market,” Savage chairman of the company added.
Share price of Guinness climbed up 6.28 percent at the close of business on the Nigerian bourse, opening at N162.05 and closing at N172.23 gaining N10.18kobo.
