Coca-Cola Beverage Africa (CCBA) has made a significant leadership change with the appointment of Alfred Olajide as the new Vice-President for East and Central Africa operations. Olajide, previously the Vice President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Africa in Nigeria, steps into this pivotal role, succeeding Debra Mallowah who recently concluded her tenure at the company after three years.

As reported by Food Beverage Africa, Debra Mallowah’s departure from CCBA marks the end of an era. Her career trajectory led her from the position of Chief Business Development Officer at Safaricom to her impactful role at Coca-Cola. Her next endeavor takes her to Bayer, a prominent German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm. At Bayer, she is set to assume the responsibilities of Cluster Division Head and Cluster Lead for Crop Science in Europe Middle East Africa.

In the wake of Mallowah’s departure, Alfred Olajide’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm. His wealth of experience spanning a decade within The Coca-Cola Company has equipped him for this strategic role. He has held diverse roles across the African continent, including Franchise Director for Cluster Markets in the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, Director of Revenue Growth Management in the East and Central Africa Region, and Strategy Head for Nigeria Franchise.

Olajide’s journey to this esteemed position started with a role as Franchise Manager at CCBA and Coastal Territories Kenya. His dedication and aptitude led to a swift promotion to Regional Growth Management Manager for the East and Central Africa franchise. This trajectory culminated in his January appointment as Vice President and General Manager at Coca-Cola Africa in Nigeria.

The foundation of Olajide’s leadership is underscored by his academic accomplishments. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Leicester, complemented by a general management certification from Harvard Business School. His early education includes a Bachelor of Fisheries Management from the University of Ibadan.

The significance of Olajide’s new role reverberates throughout CCBA as it is not only the eighth largest Coca-Cola bottling partner worldwide in terms of revenue but also the largest on the African continent. This strategic shift aligns with CCBA’s commitment to reinforcing its operational prowess and strengthening its presence in the East and Central Africa regions.

As Alfred Olajide takes the reins, his journey from a Franchise Manager to a pivotal leadership position stands as a testament to his dedication, expertise, and strategic acumen. CCBA’s future under Olajide’s guidance holds the promise of continued growth and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the beverage industry landscape.