Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
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.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.