Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has appointed Petrus Maria Johannes Simons as its new Managing Director with effect from 14 April 2023.
Simons takes over from Marco Wenk, who resigned from the position on Friday.
Simons brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held various senior executive positions within the Heineken Group in South Africa, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
The appointment of Simons also marks a significant leadership shake-up at NBL.
Board Chairperson Sven Thieme, as well as board members Hendrik Jacobus Van der Westhuizen, Peter Gruttemeyer, Khomas Governor Laura Veendapi McLeod-Katjirua, Steven Lucien Marie Siemer, Gunther Hanke, and Pascal Sabrie have all resigned from their positions.
In their place, the reconstituted board will include Amos Jerobeam Hingashipwa Shiyuka, Jan Jonathan Durand, Jordi Borrut Bel, Yeliz Yedikardesler, Kevin Santry, and Martina Kebiditsemang Mokgatle.
The changes to the board come after Heineken NV completed its acquisition of a 50.01% stake in NBL, the biggest brewer in Namibia.
The development now gives Heineken control of the business, which it already had a 49.99% interest in.
The changes to the brewer are meant to reflect the ownership change in the business after Heineken received final regulatory approval from the South African Competition Tribunal to acquire control of Distell Group Holdings Limited and Namibian Breweries, paving the way for the establishment of a regional African beverage giant.
Heineken is a global player in the beer and cider market, with over 300 international, regional, local, and specialty beers and ciders in its portfolio.
Namibian Breweries Limited is one of Namibia’s leading beverage manufacturing companies, with a significant share of the premium beer category in Southern Africa and over 700 employees.
