EABL appoints Andrew Cowan as new boss

The East African Breweries Limited (EABL) board has appointed Andrew Cowan as its new Group Managing Director.

He takes over from Charles Ireland who joined the business in 2013.

Mr Cowan will take over the leadership of the brewer on July 28th, having been seconded from Diageo. Diageo is EABL’S largest shareholder with a 50 percent stake.

The incoming MD is currently serving as Diageo’s country director in Great Britain, having joined the business in 2008.

EABL Chairman Charles Muchene said Mr Cowan is an established global business leader in the FMCG business and will add expertise and commercial leadership.

“This will help us consolidate on the good progress and solid foundation that we have built over the years, to realize our ambition of becoming the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer Products Company on the continent,” Mr Muchene said.

Mr Ireland will take up a new role within Diageo as the general manager for Great Britain, Ireland and France based in London.

The chairman credits the outgoing MD with reorganizing the business and delivering economic benefits for the brewer.

EABL in January announced a half year profit of Sh7.7 billion with revenues growing by eight percent to Sh37.5 billion.