The announcement, made through a media statement, highlighted the end of an impactful era marked by Mr. Coutino’s nearly eight-year tenure in Nigeria. He joined the company in 2018 as National Sales and Trade Marketing Director and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually assuming the role of Managing Director and Business Unit President on January 1, 2023. His leadership coincided with one of the most transformative periods in the company’s history.
Under Mr. Coutino’s stewardship, International Breweries recorded its highest-ever sales volume and market share, while also returning to profitability after approximately six years of restructuring. Beyond financial performance, the company achieved the highest employee engagement score in the country among AB InBev business units, reflecting a leadership approach grounded in inclusion, trust, and performance. He also spearheaded the transformation of AB InBev’s digital ecosystem in Nigeria, championing the development of a best-in-class digital product built by local talent—an innovation that has since been scaled across six countries.
The Board and Management of IBPLC expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Coutino’s contributions, commending his strategic vision and dedication. He is set to assume a new role as Managing Director for Honduras and El Salvador within the AB InBev group, continuing his leadership journey on the global stage.
Succeeding him is Mr. Nicholas Kade, a seasoned commercial executive with over 15 years of experience driving growth and transformation across African markets. Until his appointment, Mr. Kade served as Sales Director at International Breweries Plc, where he was responsible for national sales strategy, commercial execution, and performance delivery in a complex, high-growth environment.
Mr. Kade’s career with AB InBev began through its highly competitive Graduate Management Trainee programme, which provided a strong foundation in end-to-end commercial leadership. He subsequently held several Commercial Director roles in South Africa, overseeing sales strategy, revenue growth, route-to-market execution, and the leadership of large, diverse teams. His track record includes customer experience transformation, business enablement implementation, and the delivery of sustainable commercial results.
Academically, Mr. Kade holds a bachelor’s degree and an honours degree in business management, as well as a Master of Commerce (with Distinction) from Stellenbosch University. He also completed a Postgraduate Programme in Business at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria.
International Breweries Plc is a proud member of the AB InBev family, the world’s largest brewer with a portfolio of over 500 brands. In Nigeria, the company produces and markets popular brands such as Trophy Lager, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, and Budweiser. Guided by AB InBev’s global vision, IBPLC remains committed to building enduring brands and bringing people together for “a Future with More Cheers,” using the finest natural ingredients.