Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Girish Sharma, an experienced business executive, as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

This announcement follows the recent acquisition of Guinness Nigeria by Tolaram Group, which has now become the majority shareholder. The acquisition includes long-term licensing and royalty agreements that will ensure the continued production, marketing, and sale of the Guinness brand, along with all locally produced Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits brands in Nigeria.

In his new role, Girish will guide the company through this transformative period, building on its legacy of quality and innovation while remaining committed to positively impacting the communities it serves.

In his statement, he expressed pride in collaborating with a talented and dedicated team, whose enthusiasm and commitment motivate him daily. He emphasized that together, they will continue to achieve success by promoting collaboration, creativity, and innovation throughout the organization.

He added, "We will uphold our core values of integrity, respect, and responsibility while pursuing growth and excellence. I am eager to embrace this new chapter and the journey ahead, focusing on driving growth and enhancing our market leadership."

According to Girish, the collaboration between Guinness Nigeria Plc and Tolaram signifies a strong synergy, merging the rich heritage of the Guinness brand with Tolaram's innovative approach.

Girish brings over 20 years of extensive experience as a distinguished business leader, having significantly contributed to the growth of various companies within the consumer goods sector. Throughout his two-decade tenure at Tolaram, he has managed diverse portfolios and driven the success of numerous brands, notably the flagship “Indomie,” which has become a household name and the leading brand in Nigeria and Ghana. Currently, he oversees the Colgate Tolaram joint venture, where his leadership has propelled the company to achieve a remarkable 70% compound annual growth rate in top-line revenue year-over-year.

In his previous roles, Girish has led the expansion of brands across a wide range of consumer product categories, including cooking oil, snacks, and personal care items. His passion for marketing is evident in his commitment to enhancing his understanding of consumer and shopper behavior. Over the years, he has mentored numerous marketing and sales professionals, guiding them in their career advancement. An avid reader, Girish often shares insights from his experiences through engaging business anecdotes.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Girish is an active investor with a diverse portfolio spanning industries such as consumer technology and fintech. His interest in these sectors drives him to stay informed about the latest trends and developments.

Girish holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Kent. He has also completed a Senior Executive Programme in Africa at Harvard Business School.