AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Veteran Tolaram exec Girish Sharma takes reins at Guinness Nigeria
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
Appointment follows the formal acquisition of Guinness Nigeria by Tolaram. The brand was previously majority owned by Diageo.
Brewing giant Guinness Nigeria has appointed Girish Sharma to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
This follows the recent the formal acquisition of Guinness Nigeria, previously part of Diageo, by the Tolaram Group. The sale was announced on 11 June 2024 and formally completed on 30 September 2024.
The acquisition makes Tolaram the majority shareholder, while establishing long-term license and royalty agreements for the company’s continued production, marketing and sale of the Guinness brand and all its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits brands in Nigeria.
In his two-decade journey with Tolaram, Sharma has handled varied portfolios and led growth of multiple brands, including the flagship Indomie brand which has become a household name and market leader in Nigeria and Ghana.
Girish Sharma pictured during his time with the Colgate Tolaram joint venture. Photo: LinkedIn
Prior to taking over at Guinness Nigeria, he led the Colgate-Tolaram joint venture for the group. Under his leadership, Colgate Tolaram achieved 70% CAGR year-on-year top line growth.
Sharma has also spearheaded growth for brands across diversified consumer product categories including cooking oil, snacks and personal care.
On his LinkedIn profile, he says he is “passionate about marketing and takes a keen interest in sharpening his expertise of consumer and shopper behaviour”. He adds that, over the years, he has “groomed many marketing and sales professionals across levels and helped them rise in their careers”.
Sharma believes the new partnership between Guinness Nigeria and Tolaram “represents a powerful synergy, combining Guinness brand’s rich heritage and Tolaram’s innovative spirit”.
Tolaram Group is based in Singapore and has diversified business interests in consumer goods, fintech, infrastructure and industrials. It has a presence across Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.
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