Coca-Cola Nigeria appoints new managing director

Coca-Cola has appointed Alfred Olajide as its new Vice President and Managing Director for its Nigeria operations.

The development followed a reorganisation of Coca-Cola’s global leadership structure.

A statement said on Sunday that Mr Olajide brings several years of experience to bear in his new role, nine of which were at the Coca-Cola Company.

He served in different capacities across the african continent, including Franchise Director for Cluster Markets in the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, Director of Revenue Growth Management in the East and Central Africa Region, and Strategy Head for Nigeria Franchise.

In August 2020, Coca-Cola announced a global restructuring aimed at furthering the leading beverage company’s aspiration to emerge stronger amidst a fast-changing global business environment.

The new structure sees its erstwhile 17 business units compressed into nine operating units focused on strategic local and regional business objectives supported by the company’s newly created Platform Services.

Announcing the change in structure, company chairman and CEO, James Quincey, noted that the changes in the company’s operating model will shift marketing to drive more growth and “put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritizing a portfolio of strong brands”.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Olajide said; “These are very exciting times for the global Coca-Cola business, and I look forward to contributing my own quota to a business I love so much, especially at such an interesting time as this. Nigeria is a huge market, and I am optimistic about the growth we can achieve together with our bottling partners”.

Profile

Mr Olajide holds a first-class Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and an MBA from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

The company said his extensive experience in leading market growth, strategy and operations management built from years in management consulting and FMCG will undoubtedly help drive business growth, strategy formulation, and market execution, in the Coca-Cola Nigeria Franchise Operations.

He is passionate about leading with impact and empowering young talent for growth. He also “enjoys running, playing soccer, tennis and spending time with his family.”

Mr Olajide replaces Yebeltal Getachew whose tenure ended December 31, 2020.

Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited is a beverage company with a portfolio that includes valuable beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, 5Alive juices, Eva water, Schweppes and Limca.