The board and management of Nigerian Breweries Plc – the leading brewer in the country, has confirmed the resumption of duty of its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hans Essaadi, effective Monday, August 2, 2021.

An industry veteran with 30 years’ experience, Essaadi who was appointed CEO designate in May replaces Jordi Borrut Bel, who ran the affairs of the company between January 2018 and July 2021 and now assumes the position of MD/CEO, HEINEKEN South Africa.

Until his appointment, Essaadi was the Managing Director of AlHaram Beverages, the HEINEKEN Operating Company in Egypt.

He began his working career in the HEINEKEN Group as a Sales Representative in 1991, rising through the ranks and assuming senior roles within the Group in different units such as Sales, Export and Marketing.

Hans commenced his international career with HEINEKEN Puerto Rico as the Country Manager and thereafter moved to Austria as General Manager, Brau Union International. He then moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2008 where he served as General Manager, Sirocco - the Heineken Joint Venture with the Emirates Group.
He then served as the Managing Director, HEINEKEN Malaysia Berhad from 2013 to 2018 before his last role in Egypt.

In his new role as MD, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans is expected to bring his rich and robust experience (drawn from working in several markets for the HEINEKEN group), to bear on the company; unlocking fresh opportunities, sustaining and improving the category leadership position of the company in the Nigeria market and delivering improved value for its shareholders.