EABL appoints Justin Mollel as Chief Financial Officer
East African Breweries names Justin Mollel as CFO and Anne Joy Michira as marketing director as the brewer prepares for ownership changes linked to Diageo’s planned stake sale.
KENYA – East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a subsidiary of Diageo, has announced the appointment of Justin Mollel as its new Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director Designate.
The company said Mollel will assume the role on May 1, 2026, before formally taking over the position on July 1, 2026. He will succeed Risper Ohaga, who will step down from the dual role after serving six years in the position.
According to the brewer, Mollel brings more than 15 years of experience in finance and business leadership, with expertise in financial strategy, statutory reporting, business performance management, auditing and regulatory compliance.
He currently serves as Finance Director at Diageo Ireland, where he has been involved in initiatives aimed at driving financial transformation and supporting business growth.
Before joining the Irish unit, Mollel held senior finance roles within the Diageo group, including Finance Director positions at Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC and Serengeti Breweries Limited in Tanzania, where he contributed to financial strategy development and operational performance improvements.
In addition to the CFO appointment, East African Breweries Limited also announced the appointment of Anne Joy Michira as Group Marketing and Innovations Director.
Michira currently serves as Marketing and Innovations Director for Diageo’s South, West and Central Africa region. The company said she brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector and has extensive knowledge of African markets and consumers.
She previously held the role of Marketing and Innovations Director at East African Breweries Limited, where she played a role in expanding the company’s mainstream spirits and beer segments.
The appointments come as EABL prepares for a significant shift in ownership.
In December 2025, Diageo agreed to sell its 65% shareholding in East African Breweries Limited to Asahi Group Holdings in a transaction valued at approximately $2.3 billion.
The transaction, once completed, will mark Diageo’s exit from direct ownership of the East African brewer.
The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
According to the companies, the transaction forms part of Diageo’s broader strategy to reduce debt and streamline its global portfolio while maintaining a presence in the region through licensing agreements for its brands.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
