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.

View all articles »
author avatar
Rozanne
See Full Bio
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.