Nigerian Breweries Names Emmanuel Oriakhi as New Sales Director
Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s leading brewing company, has announced the appointment of Emmanuel Oriakhi as its new Sales Director, effective March 24, 2025. The decision was formally communicated through a statement from Managing Director Hans Essaadi.
Since November 2024, Emmanuel has been serving as the interim head of the Sales Function, concurrently holding the role of Marketing Director. He is expected to maintain his responsibilities in marketing until June 1, when a new Marketing Director will be appointed.
In his capacity as Sales Director, Emmanuel will oversee the sales team, focusing on driving exemplary trade execution, improving customer experience, and boosting distribution efficiency and sales productivity. He will also lead initiatives to develop a future-ready sales workforce, promote diversity and inclusion through Women in Sales (WIS) programs, and foster a culture of innovation to ensure the company’s continued success amid a volatile market environment.
Additionally, Emmanuel will manage the reintegration of Trade Marketing and Key Accounts from the Marketing division back into Sales, aiming to create a more integrated and effective sales organization.
Prior to his official appointment, Emmanuel has been serving as Marketing Director since September 2018. During this period, he successfully led innovations such as Desperados, Zagg, Legend Twist, Goldberg Black, and Heineken 45cl. He also played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s premium brand strategy, enhancing the value proposition and strengthening brand equity for Heineken, Tiger, and Desperados.
Emmanuel joined Nigerian Breweries in 2003 as a Commercial Management Trainee and has since risen through various senior roles within the company and HEINEKEN N.V., including an international assignment. Under his leadership, his team earned the HEINEKEN Global Commercial Assertiveness Award for successfully relaunching regional brands and stabilizing market share growth in Nigeria.
As a key member of the management team, Emmanuel has consistently championed talent development, encouraging his team to pursue growth opportunities through challenging projects and short-term assignments within global and regional commerce teams.