International Breweries Plc has announced a major leadership transition, with the resignation of its Managing Director, Carlos Coutino, and the appointment of Nicholas Kade as his successor, effective March 1, 2026.
The disclosure was made in a formal notification to shareholders and the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), in line with the Exchange’s Issuer Rules
Coutino’s Exit Follows a Strategic Turnaround
Coutino, who joined the company in 2018 as National Sales and Trade Marketing Director, rose through the commercial ranks before his appointment as Managing Director and Business Unit President on January 1, 2023.
During his tenure as Managing Director, International Breweries recorded its highest-ever sales volume and market share, returning to profitability after nearly six years of restructuring.
The company also achieved its highest employee engagement score in Nigeria under his leadership—an outcome the Board linked to a management approach focused on inclusion, trust, and execution discipline.
Beyond core commercial performance, Coutino oversaw a significant digital transformation initiative within the Nigerian business of parent group Anheuser-Busch InBev, championing a locally developed digital product that has since been scaled across six other countries.
The Board confirmed that Coutino will remain within the AB InBev group, transitioning to another leadership role, and expressed appreciation for his contribution during a pivotal phase in the company’s recovery.
Nicholas Kade Named New Managing Director
The Board simultaneously approved the appointment of Nicholas Kade as Managing Director and as a member of the Board.
Kade was previously Sales Director at International Breweries Plc, where he was responsible for national sales strategy, route-to-market execution, and performance delivery in a highly competitive consumer market.
He brings over 15 years of commercial leadership experience across Africa, with a career rooted in the AB InBev ecosystem.
Kade joined the group through its Graduate Management Trainee programme and later held multiple Commercial Director roles in South Africa, with responsibility for revenue growth, customer experience transformation, and leadership of large regional teams.
His academic background includes bachelor’s and honours degrees in Business Management, a Master of Commerce (with Distinction) from Stellenbosch University, and postgraduate executive training at GIBS Business School, University of Pretoria.
Strategic Implications
The appointment signals leadership continuity at a time when International Breweries is seeking to consolidate recent gains in profitability, market share, and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s highly competitive beer and beverage market.
With Kade’s deep commercial background and familiarity with the Nigerian business, the transition appears designed to maintain momentum rather than signal a strategic reset.
