Carlos Coutino Steps Down, Nicholas Kade Named New MD at International Breweries

International Breweries Plc has announced significant changes in its executive management, with 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 swiftly through the ranks to become Managing Director and Business Unit President in January 2023. During his tenure, International Breweries recorded its highest-ever sales volume and market share, achieving profitability after six years of restructuring. He also championed employee engagement, earning the company its best score nationwide, and spearheaded digital innovation that has since been scaled across six countries.

The Board expressed gratitude for Coutino’s leadership and confirmed he will transition to another senior role within AB InBev, the parent company of International Breweries.

In the same announcement, the Board appointed Mr. Nicholas Kade as the new Managing Director, effective March 1, 2026. Kade, previously Sales Director at International Breweries, brings over 15 years of commercial leadership experience across Africa. He holds multiple degrees from Stellenbosch University and a postgraduate qualification from GIBS Business School, University of Pretoria.

Kade began his career at AB InBev through its Graduate Management Trainee programme and has since held several senior commercial roles in South Africa, driving sales strategy, revenue growth, and customer experience transformation.

The company noted that the changes comply with Rules 17.5 and 17.6 of the Nigerian Exchange Limited Rulebook (2015, Issuer’s Rules).