Tanzanian Executive Justin Mollel Named Incoming EABL Group Chief Financial Officer Mollel’s appointment signals a new financial leadership chapter at EABL, as the brewer prepares for life after Diageo and navigates a changing ownership landscape in East Africa’s competitive alcohol market.

East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has appointed Justin Mollel, a Tanzanian national and former Finance Director of Serengeti Breweries Limited, as the company’s incoming Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In a public announcement released Thursday, EABL said Mollel will take up the role on May 1, 2026, and will formally assume the position on July 1, 2026, succeeding the current finance chief.

Mollel brings more than 15 years of experience in finance and business leadership, with expertise in financial strategy, statutory reporting, business performance management, auditing, and regulatory compliance.

He currently serves as finance director at Diageo Ireland, where he has been instrumental in driving financial transformation and business growth initiatives.

His appointment comes at a time of major structural changes within EABL’s ownership, following global drinks giant Diageo’s decision to sell its entire controlling stake in the company.

In December last year, Diageo agreed to sell its 65% shareholding in EABL to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings in a deal valued at about $2.3 billion.

The deal marked Diageo’s exit from direct ownership of the East African brewer.

The transaction, expected to be completed in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, forms part of Diageo’s broader strategy to reduce debt and streamline its global portfolio while maintaining a presence in the region through licensing agreements for brands such as Guinness and Smirnoff Ice.

Mollel is widely known in the East African brewing industry from his earlier leadership roles, including finance director at Serengeti Breweries in Tanzania and Guinness Ghana.

In those roles, he played a key part in shaping financial strategy and improving operational performance across Diageo’s African beer businesses.

He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam and is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors of Tanzania.

With the impending ownership transition and a rapidly evolving regional beverage market, Mollel’s appointment signals EABL’s focus on strengthening its financial leadership as it enters a new phase of corporate restructuring and regional growth.