Ex-Guinness Boss John Musunga Appointed as Diageo Managing Director, Africa
Diageo has appointed John Musunga as Managing Director, Africa, effective 1 July 2026, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to Africa as a strategic growth market.
John assumes leadership of Diageo’s Africa business following a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years across Africa, Europe and Asia, including nearly two decades in chief executive and senior leadership roles within and out of Diageo. He brings a proven track record of driving business transformation, accelerating growth, and leading high- performing teams in dynamic and complex operating environments.
Most recently, John served as Managing Director for Diageo’s South, West and Central Africa business, overseeing operations across more than 30 markets. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, where he successfully led the business through a period of significant transformation and renewed growth.
In his new role, John will be based in Nairobi, relocating from London. His appointment underscores Diageo’s confidence in Kenya’s position as a leading regional business and financial hub, and its importance in supporting the company’s long-term ambitions across the continent.
He joined Diageo in 2021 as Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), where he played a key role in rebuilding business momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before joining Diageo, John held several global and regional leadership positions with GSK, where he worked across Africa, Europe and Asia, partnering with international health organisations and leading large-scale commercial and public health initiatives.
Throughout his career, John has earned a reputation for combining commercial excellence with inclusive leadership. Passionate about developing talent and building diverse, high-performing teams, he believes that sustainable business success is driven by empowered
people, strong customer and consumer relationships, and purposeful leadership.
As Managing Director, Africa, John will lead the next phase of Diageo’s growth across the continent, accelerating innovation, strengthening customer and consumer connections, and advancing the company’s ambition to create lasting economic and social value in the
communities where it operates.