Africa: SABMiller announces changes in Africa business

SABMiller PLC said on April 7 it plans to consolidate its South African and African regions into one from July 1 for management purposes, and this will be headed up by Mark Bowman, currently managing director of SABMiller Africa.

"As we look to capitalize on our global scale and presence, we see significant advantages in managing all of our African businesses as one region," Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Clark said.

"We believe there is strong potential for profitable growth in both beer and total beverages in Africa, and, by harnessing the skills of our South African and African business in a combined Africa region, we believe that we will be better placed to access growth prospects across the entire continent," Mr. Clark added.

The International brewer, with more than 200 beer brands and some 70,000 employees in more than 75 countries, added that Norman Adami will stand down as chairman of SABMiller Beverages South Africa from July 1, and retire from the group on July 31.

SABMiller, which has the Pilsener Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch brands among its portfolio, said Mauricio Leyva, currently managing director of Beer South Africa, will become chairman and managing director of SAB Ltd. in South Africa, reporting to Mr. Bowman.

09 April, 2014