East African Breweries PLC's respected Marketing and Innovations Director, Anne Joy Michira, is set to embark on a new chapter as she assumes the role of Marketing and Innovations Director for South, West, and Central Africa (SWC) at Diageo.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, solidifying her position as a key player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Michira, armed with nearly two decades of experience in various roles in trade and marketing, will transition to her London-based role on April 1.

Reporting directly to John Musunga, the head of the newly established SWC business unit, Michira is expected to bring her wealth of knowledge and expertise to oversee operations in Southern Africa, the Indian Ocean, West Africa, and Central Africa.

John Musunga, who assumed his role in November 2023, expressed confidence in Michira's capabilities, stating, "Anne Joy has a strong track record of delivering tangible value to the business."

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He highlighted her pivotal role in developing and executing Kenya's spirits portfolio strategy, contributing to the remarkable growth of Johnnie Walker globally in the last financial year.

Michira's ascent through the ranks at East African Breweries PLC showcases her strategic prowess.

Joining from British American Tobacco in September 2015 as the Marketing Manager for Mainstream Spirits, she steadily climbed to Head of Spirits, Head of Marketing for Beer in East Africa, and ultimately her current role as Marketing and Innovations Director.

Under her leadership, EABL witnessed the revival of iconic beer brands Tusker and Pilsner, with substantial growth in beer value share across East Africa. Notably, Michira's marketing efforts for Senator earned EABL its first-ever Cannes Lion award, marking a historic achievement.

Mark Ocitti, Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited, commended Michira's instrumental role in growing and building some of the company's most significant brands in East Africa.

He emphasized her outstanding collaboration and partnership efforts across the region, expressing confidence in her ability to replicate this success in her new role.

"Anne Joy has been instrumental in growing and building some of our biggest brands in East Africa. Her work leading collaboration and partnership across East Africa has been phenomenal and we are sure she will take the same spirit to her new role," Ocitti stated.

"EABL is a net exporter of talent within Diageo and indeed in the corporate world. We are happy that once more, one of us has been tapped to take on a bigger role. She stands on the shoulders of giants 

Michira, a holder of a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degree from the University of Nairobi and a 2019 Top 40 under 40 achiever according to Business Daily, has left an indelible mark on EABL.

As she prepares to embrace her expanded responsibilities at Diageo, she joins the league of accomplished professionals who have made Kenya proud on the global stage.

Her journey exemplifies the continuous export of talent from EABL within Diageo and the corporate world, affirming the company's legacy in nurturing leaders.