International Breweries announces leadership transition, Nicholas Kade appointed MD

The Board of Directors of International Breweries Nigeria PLC has announced the resignation of Mr. Carlos Coutino as Managing Director and member of the Board, effective March 1, 2026.

Coutino, who joined the company in 2018 as National Sales/Trade Marketing Director, rose rapidly through the ranks to become Managing Director and Business Unit President in January 2023. 

Under his leadership, International Breweries recorded its highest-ever sales volume and market share, achieving profitability after six years of business restructuring. 

He also led a digital transformation initiative that has since been scaled across six countries, marking a lasting legacy of innovation.

The Board expressed its gratitude for Coutino’s contributions and wished him well as he assumes another leadership role within the AB InBev group.

Taking the helm from March 1, 2026, is Mr. Nicholas Kade, who has been appointed both Managing Director and Board member. Kade previously served as Sales Director for International Breweries, overseeing national sales strategy and commercial execution. 

With over 15 years of experience driving growth and transformation across Africa, Kade holds multiple degrees from Stellenbosch University and a Postgraduate Programme in Business from GIBS Business School, University of Pretoria.

Kade joined AB InBev through a competitive Graduate Management Trainee programme and has held multiple Commercial Director roles in South Africa, demonstrating expertise in sales strategy, route-to-market execution, customer experience transformation, and business enablement.

The Board confirmed that the appointment complies with Rules 17.5 and 17.6 of the Nigerian Exchange Limited Rulebook (2015).