
SA wine industry in shock over US tariffs – but opportunity awaits
Branding expert says industry must reassert the distinctiveness of SA wine brands and reposition for long-term sustainability and growth.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Samer Chedid moves from a leadership role at Nestlé Indonesia to oversee the company’s business across 25 countries in the region.
Food and beverage company Nestlé has announced the appointment of Samer Chedid as the new CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa. He succeeds Mauricio Alarcon, who has moved to a new position within the group.
Samer Chedid. Photo: Nestlé
Chedid moves from his previous role as CEO of Nestlé Indonesia. He has also been CEO of Nestlé Pakistan and General Manager of Nestlé Saudi Arabia.
He is no stranger to the Central and West Africa region, having previously served as Country Director for Ghana.
In his new capacity, Chedid will oversee the company’s business across 25 countries in the Central and West Africa (CWAR) region.
“I am delighted to return to a region that has been part of my career within the group,” he says. “With our resilient team of more than 5,000 employees, I will continue to advance our mission through innovation, high-quality product offerings and meaningful partnerships.”
Chedid began his career with Nestlé in 1998 as a Sales Development Manager. His career trajectory includes roles as Head of Category Sales Development for the Middle East, Managing Director for Bahrain, Qatar, and Dubai, and a previous stint as Country Director for Ghana. He then returned to the Middle East as Sales Director before being appointed to the senior leadership positions in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
On his LinkedIn profile he describes himself as “an accomplished and peak performing global business executive with extensive experience in the areas of general management, sales, marketing, and trade marketing” and an “influential leader who leverages strategy building abilities and effective execution methods to successfully achieve sales and profitability targets”.
Chedid holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Management from the Lebanese American University.
Branding expert says industry must reassert the distinctiveness of SA wine brands and reposition for long-term sustainability and growth.
Measures may include advertising and marketing restrictions, raising the minimum drinking age, and banning online sales and home deliveries.
MAZ says appointment signals a dynamic new chapter to elevate industry standards, enhance credibility and celebrate marketers.
Deputy President tells Chinese supply chain event that SA is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience.
Oktopost, which operates in 20-plus markets, enters into local strategic partnership as it eyes continent’s growth potential.
The latest issue of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is now available.
In the marketing toolbox, there are several helpful instruments that aid enterprises in being remembered, even if the actual name is not.
CIMG aims to reward ethical marketing leadership that drives social impact, national development and global competitiveness.
Aim is to expand this model nationwide in an effort to build a climate-smart and inclusive fisheries supply chain.
A recent series of studies by the National University of Singapore offers guidance on embracing inclusive marketing.
CM(A) is a high-level pan-African professional designation awarded to senior marketers in recognition of their experiences and skills.
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.