EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

Melkamu Abebe appointed Managing Director of Coca-Cola in Ethiopia

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Abebe becomes the first Ethiopian to take up the MD position. He moves from the Coca-Cola operation in Uganda, where he was GM.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has appointed Melkamu Abebe as its new Managing Director in Ethiopia. He becomes the first Ethiopian to take up this position, which follows a highly successful term as General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda.

 

Abebe brings more than 16 years of experience in the Coca-Cola system to the role, having started his career in the company’s Graduates in Training Programme in 2008.

Melkamu Abebe. Photo: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

“He then excelled in roles spanning supply chain and general management, while demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and a commitment to operational excellence,” Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) says in a statement. 

 

As the GM of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, Abebe oversaw the successful integration of separate bottling entities, and has a proven track record of delivering growth, optimising logistics and driving customer satisfaction. 

 

Ethiopian market considered to have significant potential 

 

He returns to his native country to direct the continued growth of CCBA in Ethiopia, in a market considered to have significant potential for the company.  

 

Abebe holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Addis Ababa University and has completed leadership programmes at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa. 

 

“We have a people-first culture that ensures unparalleled professional development for our valued employees,” says the Chief Operating Officer at CCBA, Gavin Hudson. “Our aim is to nurture potential, attract and retain high-performing talent, and invest in growth.” 

 

Before becoming General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, a position he took up in 2020, Abebe was Supply Chain Director for the Ugandan operation. Prior to that, he was Logistics Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Ethiopia.

View all articles »
author avatar
Rozanne
See Full Bio

PUBLICATIONS

Strategic Marketing for Africa Magazine

CONTACT INFORMATION

info@africanmarketingconfederation.org

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping

    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.