Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigeria’s leading brewing company, has announced the appointment of two new board members: Maria Karaseva as Finance Director and Guillaume Duverdier as Non-Executive Director. These appointments are part of the company’s ongoing leadership enhancements following recent retirements.
Guillaume Duverdier succeeds Sijbe “Siep” Hiemstra, who retired after serving as a Non-Executive Director and contributing significantly to the company’s strategic initiatives. Duverdier brings over two decades of experience within the HEINEKEN Group, most recently serving as Regional President for Africa and the Middle East. His extensive background in strategy and operations spans Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Maria Karaseva joins Nigerian Breweries from Al Ahram Beverages, HEINEKEN’s Egyptian subsidiary, where she served as Chief Finance Officer. She possesses a wealth of expertise in finance and corporate strategy within the consumer goods industry.
The appointments took effect recently, according to Uaboi Agbebaku, the Company Secretary and Legal Director.
Former Non-Executive Director Sijbe Hiemstra played a pivotal role in Nigeria Breweries’ recent turnaround, including overseeing a successful business recovery plan that restored profitability. Bernardus A. Wessels Boer, who served as Finance Director, completed his tenure on August 31, 2025, after contributing to the company’s debt reduction and foreign exchange debt elimination.
The Board expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Duverdier and Karaseva, emphasizing their experience and strategic insights. The current board includes Chairman Juliet C. Anammah, Managing Director Thibaut F.B. Boidin, and other distinguished members from various countries, reflecting the company’s diverse leadership.
