Meet Nkechi Runsewe, New Nigerian Breweries HR Director

Nigerian Breweries Plc has appointed Nkechi Runsewe as its new Human Resources Director, strengthening its executive leadership team as the company continues efforts to enhance organisational performance and support long-term business growth.

The appointment will take effect on August 1, with Runsewe joining the brewer’s top management team after serving in senior human capital leadership roles within the global operations of HEINEKEN.

The company said the appointment forms part of its commitment to strengthening leadership capabilities and building a workforce equipped to support its strategic objectives in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Runsewe brings extensive experience in human resources management, talent development, succession planning and organisational transformation gained across multiple industries and international markets.

Prior to her appointment, she held a senior leadership position within HEINEKEN, where she was responsible for talent management initiatives, workforce planning and leadership development programmes across several countries. Her responsibilities included supporting employee growth, improving organisational effectiveness and strengthening succession pipelines for critical leadership roles.

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Her career spans the consumer goods, telecommunications and media sectors, where she has worked with several multinational organisations in Africa and beyond. Over the years, she has built expertise in employee engagement, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organisational culture and strategic workforce planning.

Runsewe previously held leadership positions at HEINEKEN, Diageo, Etisalat and M-Net Africa, contributing to human capital initiatives aimed at strengthening organisational capability and supporting business transformation.

Throughout her professional journey, she has played key roles in designing and implementing programmes focused on leadership development, talent retention and employee performance management. Her experience has also involved supporting organisational restructuring efforts and fostering workplace cultures that encourage innovation and collaboration.

Industry observers said her appointment reflects Nigerian Breweries’ continued focus on attracting experienced leaders capable of supporting the company’s transformation agenda and sustaining business performance.

According to stakeholders within the human resources profession, Runsewe’s international experience and cross-sector expertise are expected to strengthen the company’s ability to attract, develop and retain skilled employees while responding to changing workforce expectations.

Her appointment comes at a time when organisations across industries are increasingly prioritising talent management, employee wellbeing and leadership succession as key drivers of long-term competitiveness.

Industry observers noted that multinational companies operating in Nigeria are placing greater emphasis on workforce development strategies designed to improve productivity, strengthen organisational resilience and enhance employee engagement.

Runsewe succeeds Grace Omo-Lamai, who is retiring after serving as Human Resources Director and overseeing the company’s people management strategy during a period of significant change within the brewing industry.

During her tenure, Omo-Lamai played a central role in advancing employee development initiatives, strengthening workplace culture and supporting leadership programmes across the organisation.

Industry stakeholders acknowledged her contributions to the company’s human resources function, noting that her leadership helped guide the organisation through various business and industry transitions.

The leadership transition comes as Nigerian Breweries continues implementing initiatives aimed at improving operational performance, strengthening market competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth.

Observers said the appointment underscores the company’s strategy of leveraging global expertise to enhance leadership effectiveness and strengthen organisational capability.

Human resource professionals noted that experienced executives with international exposure are increasingly sought after as organisations navigate changing business conditions, technological advancements and evolving workforce dynamics.

They added that leadership development, succession planning and employee engagement remain critical priorities for companies seeking to maintain strong organisational performance and attract top talent.

Runsewe is widely recognised within the corporate sector for her contributions to talent development and organisational transformation. Colleagues and industry professionals have often highlighted her ability to align people strategies with broader business objectives while fostering inclusive workplace environments.

Her appointment further reflects the growing importance of strategic human resources leadership within large organisations as businesses seek to improve productivity, build future-ready workforces and strengthen employee value propositions.

With extensive experience across multiple sectors and international markets, Runsewe is expected to contribute to Nigerian Breweries’ efforts to enhance workforce capability, strengthen leadership pipelines and support the company’s long-term growth ambitions.

The appointment takes effect from August 1, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s human resources leadership as it continues pursuing operational excellence and sustainable business growth.