Guinness Nigeria appoints Joan Hodgins VC, Board of Directors

By Zion Rufus

Guinness Nigeria Plc has appointed Ms. Joan Hodgins, Diageo’s Global Talent Director, as a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors from July 1, 2023.

This followed the retirement of Mr Dayalan Nayager from the board on June 30, 2023.

The company said in a statement that the appointment was due to recent developments in its parent company, Diageo Plc, to allow Nayager to assume expanded responsibilities at the Executive Group Management level.

It said that the appointment of Hodgins would also see the strengthening of the Board with the vast experience she brings to the Board in the area of human resources management, people, and talent while also improving diversity on the Board.

Dr. Omobola Johnson, the Chairman of the Board of Guinness Nigeria, said these changes were in line with the business’s growth ambitions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the company.

“Mr Nayager has contributed in no small measure to the success of Guinness Nigeria Plc. while serving as Board Vice-Chair and non-executive director in the last year.

“The Board is grateful for his service to the company and even more excited to see him take on newer challenges and responsibilities in different capacities within Diageo,” the company said.

Ms Hodgins, currently Diageo’s Global Talent Director, brings to the Board extensive experience in human resource management having previously held senior HR roles across North America, Australia, and Europe, and within Global Talent and Leadership Development.

She is a business leader and a chartered occupational psychologist who joined Diageo in 2002 and is well-known for her deep passion for unleashing the power of purpose and performance to help people and businesses grow.

John Musunga, the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, spoke of Hodgins’s appointment: “Guinness Nigeria Plc is pleased with this appointment reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion at the highest echelon of the business.

“The Board is optimistic that the leadership of the company would be further strengthened through Ms Hodgins’ invaluable experience and passion in developing strong talent and in delivering sustainable, stronger performance and improved stakeholders’ value.”

“Ms Hodgins as Vice Board Chair complements our board perfectly because of her unmatched skills and experiences, and we are confident she will provide the right leadership and valuable perspectives we continue to execute our strategy, drive profitability and enhance value for all stakeholders. (GBN)