International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) has announced the appointment of Nicholas Kade as its new Managing Director, effective March 1, 2026. Kade takes over following Carlos Coutino’s transition to a leadership position within AB InBev, the company’s global parent. This move underscores IBPLC’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and strong leadership in Nigeria’s brewing sector.
Carlos Coutino, who served as IBPLC’s Managing Director and Business Unit President since January 2023, will now lead AB InBev operations in Honduras and El Salvador. During his tenure in Nigeria, Coutino was instrumental in driving the company to its highest-ever sales volumes and market share, while also returning the business to profitability after six years of restructuring. His leadership style, focused on inclusion, trust, and performance, earned IBPLC the highest employee engagement scores in the country.
Beyond commercial success, Coutino spearheaded the digital transformation of AB InBev’s Nigerian operations. He championed a locally-developed digital product that has since been expanded to six other countries, showcasing the potential of homegrown innovation to support global strategies. The IBPLC Board and management have publicly expressed their appreciation for Coutino’s outstanding contributions.
Nicholas Kade, previously IBPLC’s Sales Director, brings more than 15 years of experience in driving growth and transformation across Africa. He has led national sales strategies, commercial execution, and customer experience improvements, while holding several senior commercial director roles in South Africa. Kade’s background includes expertise in revenue growth, route-to-market execution, and team leadership across diverse regions, positioning him to continue IBPLC’s trajectory of success.
Kade holds a bachelor’s and honours degree in business management, a master of commerce with distinction from Stellenbosch University, and has completed postgraduate studies at GIBS Business School, University of Pretoria. His appointment reflects IBPLC’s commitment to sustaining growth and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leading player in Nigeria’s beverage industry and part of AB InBev’s global portfolio of over 500 brands, including Trophy Lager, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, and Budweiser.
source: punch