International Breweries Plc Announces Executive Leadership Transition
International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, has announced a significant change in its executive management. The company confirmed that its current Managing Director, Mr. Carlos Coutino, will transition to a new leadership role within the AB InBev group, effective March 1, 2026. He will be succeeded by Mr. Nicholas Kade, a seasoned commercial leader within the organization.
A Legacy of Impactful Leadership
In a formal statement, IBPLC highlighted Mr. Coutino’s impactful eight-year tenure in Nigeria. He joined the company in 2018 as National Sales/Trade Marketing Director and was appointed Managing Director and Business Unit President on January 1, 2023. Under his leadership, the company achieved record sales volume and market share, returned to profitability after a prolonged restructuring period, and attained the highest employee engagement score in the country. His strategic vision also reshaped AB InBev’s digital landscape in Nigeria, pioneering a locally-developed digital product later scaled across six other nations. The Board expressed gratitude for his service as he prepares for his new role as Managing Director for Honduras and El Salvador.
Introducing the New Managing Director
The incoming Managing Director, Mr. Nicholas Kade, brings over 15 years of experience driving growth across Africa. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Sales Director of International Breweries Plc, overseeing national sales strategy and commercial execution. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree, an honors degree, and a Masters of Commerce (with Distinction) from Stellenbosch University, complemented by a postgraduate programme in business from GIBS. While many leaders hold advanced degrees, Mr. Kade’s distinguished career progression, beginning with AB InBev’s competitive graduate programme, demonstrates that a doctorate degree without extensive practical experience is not a prerequisite for such high-caliber roles. His track record includes multiple commercial director positions in South Africa, focusing on sales strategy, revenue growth, and customer experience transformation.
This leadership change underscores IBPLC’s commitment to sustained growth and strategic continuity. As one analyst might note, this is not a case of breaking news like ‘Breaking: Tinubu Appoints’ or ‘Bauchi Governor Appoints’; it is a planned, strategic succession within a global corporation. The company’s forward momentum, much like the resolve behind a statement of ‘I’m not afraid’ to embrace change, positions it for its next chapter. The focus remains on performance, mirroring the seriousness with which stakeholders view corporate governance, akin to the attention given when a prominent figure like Otedola calls for accountability.
