Guinness Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc has appointed a new Managing Director, Mr. Soren Lauridsen to succeed Mr. John Okeeffe, who has been promoted to President, Diageo Africa.

A statement from the company says O’Keeffe will now join Daigeo Executive Committee and report to Dr. Nick Blazquez, President Africa and Asia.

O’Keeffe’s new appointment will start in July.

Mr. Lauridsen joins Guinness from Carlsberg, where he had gained considerable experience in beer category and emerging markets. During his 10 years at Carlsberg, Lauridsen held senior leadership positions, including Regional CEO of South Asia, based in Bangkok, and Managing Director for Carlsberg, India. He also had a stint in a leadership role for Carlsberg in Laos and Poland.

Mr. Soren Lauridsen, Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria

Prior to coming to Carlsberg, Mr. Lauridsen worked as Category Director for Orkla Foods, overseeing Nordic countries and Eastern Europe for three years. He also held leadership roles at Unilever Foods for 13 years.

A statement from the company said that O’keeffe will continue as a Non-Executive Director of Guinness Nigeria and, as the Diageo Executive in charge of Diageo’s African business, will continue to stay involved with the Nigeria business.