Diageo appoints John Musunga as Africa Managing Director

AFRICA – Diageo has appointed John Musunga as Managing Director, Africa, effective July 1, 2026, reinforcing the global beverages company’s long-term commitment to Africa as a strategic growth market. 

Musunga assumes leadership of Diageo’s Africa business after a career spanning more than 25 years across Africa, Europe and Asia, including nearly two decades in chief executive and senior leadership positions within and outside the company. 

He succeeds to the role with extensive experience in business transformation, commercial growth and leadership across diverse and complex markets.  

Most recently, Musunga served as Managing Director for Diageo’s South, West and Central Africa business, where he oversaw operations across more than 30 markets. 

Before that, he was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, leading the company through a period of significant business transformation and renewed growth. 

In his new position, Musunga will relocate from London to Nairobi, where he will be based. Diageo said the move reflects its confidence in Kenya’s role as a leading regional business and financial hub that supports the company’s long-term ambitions across Africa. 

Musunga joined Diageo in 2021 as Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL). During his tenure, he played a key role in rebuilding business momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the company’s market position. 

Prior to joining Diageo, Musunga held several senior regional and global leadership roles at GSK, working across Africa, Europe and Asia. His responsibilities included partnering with international health organisations and leading large-scale commercial and public health initiatives. 

Throughout his career, Musunga has been recognised for combining commercial excellence with inclusive leadership while focusing on talent development, building diverse, high-performing teams and strengthening customer and consumer relationships. 

In his new role, he will lead the next phase of Diageo’s growth strategy across Africa by accelerating innovation, deepening customer and consumer engagement, and advancing the company’s ambition to create lasting economic and social value in the communities where it operates. 

The appointment comes months after Diageo agreed to sell its 65% stake in East African Breweries Plc (EABL) for US$2.3 billion and its 53.68% interest in UDV Kenya for US$646 million to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings.  

The transaction is expected to be completed later this year as the company continues to reshape its global portfolio. 

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