In a historic move, Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the appointment of Mrs. Juliet Anammah as the Chair of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025. She becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the company’s 78-year history.
This decision was made during the Board’s meeting on December 12, 2024, and marks the end of the interim leadership of Mr. Sijbe “Siep” Hiemstra, who has served as acting Chair since the beginning of the year.
The company, in an official statement, expressed confidence in Mrs. Anammah’s capabilities to lead the Board into a new era of growth and sustainability, stating, “Her deep expertise in strategy, governance, and business transformation will be pivotal in driving the company’s mission to deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders.”
Mrs. Anammah joined the Board of Nigerian Breweries on January 1, 2022, and has since served as Chair of the Governance and Ethics Committee. Her appointment as Board Chair reflects a career spanning over three decades in consulting, consumer goods, sales, marketing, e-commerce, and sustainability.
Notable milestones in her career include her tenure as the Managing Director of Accenture Nigeria, where she spearheaded the Consumer Goods, Retail, and Transportation practices across West Africa. She later served as CEO of Jumia Nigeria before becoming Chair and Chief Group Sustainability Officer of the Jumia Group.
Mrs. Anammah’s leadership portfolio extends beyond Nigerian Breweries, with her roles on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.
With this appointment, Nigerian Breweries is signalling a commitment to gender diversity and inclusive leadership at the highest level. Industry analysts view the move as a strategic step toward enhancing corporate governance and fostering innovative solutions in the competitive Nigerian beverage industry.
Mrs. Anammah’s appointment is expected to strengthen the company’s focus on sustainability and responsible business practices, areas in which she has demonstrated remarkable expertise.
The appointment also comes with a reconstitution of the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025. The new lineup includes a mix of experienced executives and independent directors, reflecting a balance of international and local perspectives. This diverse and experienced leadership team underscores Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to achieving its long-term objectives of innovation, operational efficiency, and market leadership.
Mrs. Anammah’s appointment as the first female Chair is being celebrated as a significant milestone in Nigerian corporate history. Her leadership is expected to inspire a new generation of women in business, breaking barriers and setting new standards for inclusivity and excellence in governance.
As the company enters 2025 with renewed vigour, all eyes will be on Mrs. Anammah and the reconstituted Board to chart a transformative path for Nigerian Breweries and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy.
