Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has appointed Felicite Nson as its new Managing Director, making her the first woman in the company’s 75-year history to lead one of Uganda’s most iconic and longest-standing brands.
Ms. Nson takes over from Andrew Kilonzo, who has been named Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL).
Bringing with her more than 20 years of leadership experience across Africa, Ms. Nson has earned a reputation for delivering business growth and driving strategic transformation. She most recently served as Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Plc, where she had also held the role of Sales and Marketing Director from 2019 to 2023.
Under her leadership, Guinness Ghana emerged as Diageo’s fastest-growing market in Africa, registering a 36% year-on-year increase in revenue and an 83% rise in operating profit in the first half of F25. Her previous experience also includes senior leadership roles at MTN Cameroon as Head of Consumer Marketing, and Coca-Cola West Africa as Advertising Manager.
Welcoming her appointment, Jimmy D. Mugerwa, Chairman of the Board at Uganda Breweries Limited, said:
“The board is delighted to welcome Felicite to UBL. Her appointment reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening leadership across our markets. This milestone demonstrates the strength of our succession planning and our continued investment in leadership development within Diageo. We are excited about the wealth of knowledge and experience Felicite brings to the business.”
Mr. Mugerwa also praised the contributions of outgoing MD Andrew Kilonzo, under whose leadership UBL navigated a challenging post-pandemic recovery period.
“Andrew has played a pivotal role in steering UBL through a critical period. His leadership has strengthened our growth trajectory, advanced innovation, and reinforced our market position. We are confident that Felicite will build on this legacy by deepening our market penetration, fostering inclusion and diversity, and driving sustainable growth.”
The appointment of Ms. Nson not only represents a leadership change but also a landmark moment for gender representation in corporate Uganda.
Her selection affirms Diageo’s and UBL’s broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in leadership.
The Board of Directors joined Mr. Kilonzo in formally welcoming Ms. Nson to her new role during the ceremonial bell handover at UBL’s headquarters.
