Kenyan John Musunga appointed to head Diageo Africa's new business unit

Kenyan business executive John Musunga has been appointed as the head of Diageo Africa’s recently established South, West and Central Africa (SWC) division.

Musunga, who has been heading the firm’s Nigeria subsidiary, Guinness Nigeria, since October last year, now ascends to the position of Managing Director for Diageo SWC, stationed in London.

Diageo has restructured its operational landscape into three distinct markets: EABL, which remains unaffected; Guinness Nigeria - focusing on beer and mainstream spirits - and the new SWC hub.

Diageo Africa President Dayalan Nayager commended Musunga as an esteemed and accomplished leader with an extensive track record spanning over two decades.

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, as well as 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 and MD Guinness Nigeria, as inaugural Managing Director, effective January 1, 2024,” Nayager said.

In Nigeria, ahead of Musunga’s exit, the Board of Guinness Nigeria has announced the appointment of Adebayo Alli as the incoming Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective January 1, 2024.

“Even as I look forward with excitement to my new role as the first Managing Director for Southern, West and 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, now to be led by Bayo, a truly exceptional and visionary business leader," said Musunga on his appointment.

"I am confident that Bayo and the management team will take the business of Guinness Nigeria to even greater heights in the coming years."

Musunga joined Diageo in 2021 as Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited and most recently steered the Nigeria business through immense socio-economic volatility while delivering performance, the highest engagement scores in Africa and Diageo and focusing on growing talent.

Prior to this, Musunga had a highly successful career at GSK, where he held various senior global and regional roles.