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.

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