Nigerian Breweries names Thibaut Boidin as new CEO

NIGERIA – Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Thibaut François Baptiste Boidin as its incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2025. 

The leadership change follows the planned departure of current CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Hans Essaadi, who will conclude his tenure on June 30, 2025, to assume a new role as Managing Director of HEINEKEN Poland.

The announcement was made through a formal disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), confirming Boidin’s succession as part of the company’s ongoing corporate transitions within the HEINEKEN Group.

Essaadi departs after four-year term marked by major equity raise

Mr. Essaadi joined Nigerian Breweries in July 2021 and guided the company through a period of economic pressure characterized by foreign exchange constraints, high inflation, and liquidity challenges. 

During his tenure, Nigerian Breweries executed a ₦550 billion (approximately US$342.5M) Rights Issue, marking the largest equity capital raise in the Nigerian capital market to date.

Essaadi also led the rollout of a business recovery plan intended to reinforce operational resilience and position the company for sustained growth amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. 

He will step down from the Nigerian Breweries Board concurrently with his departure as CEO.

Boidin brings international experience from HEINEKEN Europe

Taking over the leadership reins, Mr. Boidin currently serves as the Managing Director of HEINEKEN Romania, one of the group’s largest businesses in Eastern Europe. 

He brings with him a portfolio of senior leadership experience across multiple markets within the HEINEKEN ecosystem.

Boidin joined the group in 2017 as Deputy CEO of France Boissons before being appointed Chief Transformation Officer for both HEINEKEN France and later HEINEKEN Europe, based in Amsterdam. 

Prior to his tenure in the beverage industry, Boidin served as an officer in the French Armed Forces with deployments across several continents. He later transitioned into senior executive roles at French multinationals, including Elis and Veolia.

In its official statement, the Board of Nigerian Breweries described Mr. Boidin’s experience as aligned with the company’s forward-looking strategy. The transition is expected to ensure leadership continuity and global alignment with HEINEKEN’s operational objectives in Nigeria.

Corporate context and related developments

Nigerian Breweries, established in 1946, is the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria, with a portfolio that includes Star Lager, Gulder, Maltina, and Amstel Malta. 

The company engages in the production and marketing of beer, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages, serving one of Africa’s most competitive beverage markets.

The leadership change comes at a time when the company continues to execute strategic initiatives to navigate foreign currency fluctuations and pricing pressures affecting the broader consumer goods sector in Nigeria.

The parent company, HEINEKEN, has also been involved in a wave of leadership reshuffles across its global operations, as part of a long-term organizational restructuring strategy.

Earlier this year, Nigerian Breweries appointed Vivian Ikem Odenigbo as Corporate Affairs Director. 

The company also hosted the third edition of its Big Weekend Experience consumer tour, while participating in HEINEKEN’s UEFA Champions League fan engagement activations across Nigeria.

Mr. Boidin’s arrival signals the continuation of strategic alignment between Nigerian Breweries and HEINEKEN Group, with emphasis on navigating market complexity through organizational agility and transformation.