fbpx

DIGITAL STRATEGY

Nairobi confirmed as location of drinks giant’s new Africa digital hub

By our News Team | 2023

Well-known Kenyan marketer to head up new hub, which will service Diageo operations in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Global drinks business Diageo has confirmed that it will locate its recently launched Africa Digital Hub in Kenya.

The aim of the hub is to accelerate its digital transformation for the company across key African markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana.

Digital Strategy

Waithera Kabiru is heading Diageo’s new Africa Digital Hub

It is being based at the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) head office in in Garden City Office Park, Nairobi.

The hub will be headed by well-known Kenyan marketer, Waithera Kabiru, who was previously Head of Media Futures at EABL.

Also worked in digital marketing at Coca-Cola

She has also worked as Digital Marketing Manager at the Coca-Cola Company, based in Nairobi, and executed brand strategies across various countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Kabiru holds a BA from Clark University in the US and an MBA from the American InterContinental University, also in the US.

Speaking during the launch, Susan Jones, Diageo’s Global Digital Transformation Lead, said the hub would feed into Diageo’s digital vision, which was “to win the next generation celebration by engaging and delighting consumers with world-class experiences across every consumer physical and digital touch point”.

The decision to locate the hub in Nairobi comes as Kenya continues to emerge as a favourite innovation destination for global tech giants – thanks to mobile penetration, tech innovation and an emerging middle-class population.

In line with this trend, EABL launched its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, ke.thebar.com in Kenya in 2020, and now plans to expand its reach to other African markets.

Diageo plc is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company based in London. Its popular global brands include Johnnie Walker whisky, Guinness beer, Tanqueray gin, Smirnoff vodka and Captain Morgan rum.

View all articles »

PUBLICATIONS

Strategic Marketing for Africa Magazine

CONTACT INFORMATION

info@africanmarketingconfederation.org

Upcoming Events

AMC CONFERENCE

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.