Airline body urges African governments to act on opening market access
‘Strategies don’t move people. Now it is time to make the difficult decisions and execute them,’ senior executive stresses.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Diageo appoints Hina Nagarajan as President of its African operations
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
She has been serving on the drinks company’s Global Executive Committee and is a past Managing Director of Africa Emerging Markets.
Global drinks giant Diageo has appointed Hina Nagarajan as the new President of Diageo Africa. She takes up her new role on 1 April 2025.
Nagarajan, who recently transitioned from her role as MD and CEO of Diageo India to a position on Diageo’s Global Executive Committee, will return to the African market where she previously served as Managing Director of Africa Emerging Markets for the company.
Nagarajan’s move follows her departure from Diageo India earlier this year, where she was succeeded by Praveen Someshwar after nearly four years at the helm.
Hina Nagarajan. Photo: Diageo
Reflecting on her tenure, she said, “Over the past four years as MD & CEO of Diageo India, it has been my honour to lead a passionate and dedicated team. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, delivered strong financial performance, navigated challenges and celebrated numerous successes.”
Held key leadership roles at Reckitt Benckiser
Before joining Diageo in 2018, Nagarajan held key leadership roles at international FMCG company Reckitt Benckiser, which manufacturer and markets brands such as Dettol, Lysol, Finish and Vanish.
She has also previously held positions with Mary Kay Cosmetics, ICI Paints India and Nestlé India.
Meanwhile, as part of a broader leadership transition at Diageo, Dayalan Nayager, who has served as President of Diageo Africa since July 2022, will assume the role of President of Diageo Europe, succeeding John Kennedy.
Nayager will retain his responsibilities as Diageo’s Chief Commercial Officer. Over the last 12 years, he has led Diageo’s businesses in Great Britain, Ireland and France, as well as its Global Travel Retail division.
He has also overseen major divestments in Africa, including the recent sale of Diageo’s majority stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries to Castel Group for US$81-million. This follows previous divestments in Guinness Nigeria and Guinness Cameroon, the latter also acquired by Castel.
Diageo’s brand portfolio includes Johnny Walker whisky, Captain Morgan rum, Tanqueray gin and Baileys liqueur.
Uganda Tourism Board partners with major European ice hockey league
UTB says its ambition is to turn the visibility into interest, bookings and more visitors choosing to explore Uganda.
Researchers explain why 10-second micro ads outperform longer spots
Short ads shown on TV increased website visits within five minutes of airing by 10-40% compared with longer advertisements.
Competition continues to grow in the Moroccan supermarket sector
Supeco’s rapid expansion shows how the discount model is becoming a bigger part of grocery retail in the North African country.
Study identifies harmful paradox behind well-meaning green efforts
Consumers reward visible eco-friendly additions such as reusable bottles, but give little credit to businesses that reduce or remove products.
President Mahama commissions expanded evaporated milk facility in Ghana
Nestlé believes Ghana will continue to play a leading role in the future of Central and West Africa.
Momentum beginning to build for 2027 ACCS gathering in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s marketers gather to celebrate hosting next year’s conference – but with an eye on the hard work ahead.
PwC report examines the future of African entertainment and media
Tech is creating more ways for audiences to connect, but lasting value will come from understanding the people behind those connections.
Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa
The new production line at the historic Maydon Wharf facility in Durban will address growing international demand.
World MICE Awards in Jamaica honour best African and global achievers
Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa all feature in the African meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions awards.
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.