Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda names Emmy Hashakimana as new General Manager 

UGANDA – Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has appointed Emmy Hashakimana as its new General Manager, effective August 12, 2025.  

The move marks the latest chapter in a career that spans senior leadership roles across Africa and the United Kingdom. 

Hashakimana joins CCBU from Uganda Breweries, where he served as Commercial Director. He began his career with Unilever before joining Uganda Breweries in 2012 as Head of Customer Marketing.  

Over the years, he advanced through several senior roles, including a five-year tenure in London with Diageo’s Global Innovation Team, where he was Head of Innovation Commercialisation for Africa. 

Upon his return to Uganda, Hashakimana led the Marketing and Innovation function before becoming Commercial Director. In that role, he oversaw a team of more than 200 employees, delivering double-digit profit growth and tripling turnover in key regions.

His leadership emphasised stronger sales and operations planning, streamlined execution, and digital route-to-market initiatives.  

He has also been recognised for fostering high-performing and diverse teams, driving internal talent mobility across the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

Announcing the appointment, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Chief Operating Officer Gavin Hudson said the decision underscores the company’s focus on developing local talent and building a robust leadership pipeline in Africa. 

“This appointment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening local talent in Africa,” Hudson said.  

“We have a people-first culture that ensures exceptional professional growth for our employees. Our goal is to nurture potential, attract and retain top talent, and invest in future leaders. At CCBA, we promote an inclusive and thriving workplace that supports our growth ambitions.” 

Hudson also highlighted that CCBA is the largest Coca-Cola bottler on the continent and is recognised as a Top Employer in Uganda, three other countries, and across Africa at the regional level. 

“We are delighted to welcome Emmy to CCBA,” Hudson added. “His passion for team development and deep understanding of the East African market will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey.” 

Hashakimana’s appointment comes recently after The Coca-Cola Company named Luis Felipe Avellar as president of its Africa operating unit, effective September 1. 

Avellar, currently serving as president of Coca-Cola’s Mexico operations within the Latin America unit, will succeed Luisa Ortega.

Avellar will report to Coca-Cola Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun.

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