Nigeria: Michiel Herkemij replaces Festus Odimegwu at Nigerian Breweries

Following the exit of former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Bre-weries Plc, Mr. Festus Odimegwu, the Board of Directors of the brewery, yesterday announced the appointment of Mr Michiel Herkemij as his replacement, announced This Day (Nigeria) December 6.

Herkemij, who has been the Managing Director of Royal Friesland Foods, West African Milk Company (WAMCO) for two years, will officially take his new role on April 2, 2007, after an intensive induction period with the Heineken Group commencing January 15, 2007.

Reacting to the appointment, Chairman of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, said "I am delighted to welcome Michiel to our business. It is testament to the strength of the Nigerian Breweries business and brands that we have been able to secure the services of such an internationally experienced manager. I believe that Michiel will be a great asset to the business and I am looking forward to working with him."

Ohiwerei noted that the new Managing Director has extensive international management experience, having held senior positions across a number of industries, in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Belgium, China, Spain and Nigeria.

"Herkemij's appointment may have been endorsed because of his wealth of experience and managerial skills which he will bring to bear on the entire structure."

It would be recalled that Odimegwu was removed on November 13, 2006 after seven years on the saddle. But Odimegwu said he left on his own volition in order to pursue other interests outside the business.

Indeed few days after the develpoment, the former CEO sought for nomination to contest the governorship seat of Imo state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Following the development, NB confirmed that a new Managing Director will be appointed in his place before the end of March 2007.

Odimegwu, came into limelight when he suddenly became a strong advocate of the failed third term project of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and in the process generated a lot of controversies, culminating in the last AGM of the company where the shareholders vehemently opposed him.

The Imo state born traditional ruler, was subsequently asked by the company to proceed on a study leave in both the United States and Britain before the current scenario.

There was an allegation that this did not go down well with investors in the company, who felt his utterances may jeopardize their investments, stressing that he should rather resign and go into politics than using his position to act as a politician. Nigerian Breweries is one of the most capitalised company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

As the drama unfolded, the Heineken group, owners of NB, felt his disposition was capable of giving negative image and publicity to the group and therefore decided to give him soft landing by sending him for a six month course.

Paul Hamers will continue as interim Managing Director of the breweries till April 2, 2007 as Herkemij will have to undergo intensive induction programme preparatory to take office. Hamers has been in this role for the last five months and has been a Board member of Nigerian Bre-weries in sthe last 8 years.

Festus Odimegwu (53) joined Nigerian Breweries in August 1980. He has held the following positions within Nigerian Breweries: Brewery Manager Sales and Customer Service Manager, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, he has held roles, both within the UAC Group: Food and Co-ordination manager, UK Marketing Manager, Ghana. He was educated at University of Nigeria Nsukka and Heriot Watt University in Scotland, UK where he obtained a degree in Brewing Science.

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