TheCable

Coca-Cola has appointed Alfred Olajide as it’s new vice president and managing director for its Nigeria operations.

A statement by the company said the appointment followed a reorganisation of its global leadership structure.

Olajide replaces Yebeltal Getachew whose tenure ended on December 31, 2020.

In August 2020, Coca-Cola had announced a global restructuring aimed at furthering its aspiration to emerge stronger amidst a fast-changing global business environment.

Announcing the change in structure, James Quincey, Coca-Cola’s chairman and CEO, said the changes in the company’s operating model will shift marketing to drive more growth and “put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritizing a portfolio of strong brands”.

Commenting on his appointment, Olajide said: “These are very exciting times for the global Coca-Cola business, and I look forward to contributing my own quota to a business I love so much, especially at such an interesting time as this”.

“Nigeria is a huge market, and I am optimistic about the growth we can achieve together with our bottling partners.”

Olajide has been with the company for nine years serving in different capacities including franchise director for cluster markers in Southern and Eastern African region; director of revenue growth management in East and Central African region; and strategy head for Nigeria franchise.

He holds a first-class bachelor’s degree from University of Ibadan and a master of business administration (MBA) from University of Leicester, UK.

The company said Olajide’s experience in leading market growth, strategy and operations management built from years in management consulting and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), will undoubtedly help drive business growth, strategy formulation, and market execution, in the Coca-Cola Nigeria franchise operations.