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Heineken to Sack 8,000 Staff Amid Declining Sales

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By Ahmed Rahma

The Dutch brewing giant, Heineken, has declared that it would reduce its workforce worldwide by 8,000 as sales dropped due to the global pandemic caused b COVID-19.

The world’s number two brewer after Belgian-Brazilian AB InBev made the declaration to slash nearly 10 per cent of it workforce on Wednesday.

Heineken had announced in October that restructuring was needed to reduce personnel costs but gave no figure for layoffs at the time.

In a statement on Wednesday, the company said, “The overall restructuring programme will reduce our employee base by (about) 8,000 people. This includes cutting jobs at the head office in Amsterdam while other layoffs would depend on local circumstances.

“Heineken’s reshaping plan includes a focus on its iconic green-bottled namesake brand, plus fewer, bigger bets in local premium brands,” the statement further said.

Heineken reported a net loss of €204 million ($247 million) for 2020, compared with a net profit of €2.1 billion a year earlier, while sales fell 17 per cent to €23 billion as COVID-19 restrictions keep bars and restaurants closed in some countries where the firm operates.

The company’s CEO, Mr Dolf van den Brink, who took charge last April, said it had been a year of unprecedented disruption and transition for the company.

The Dutchman said the layoffs were part of efforts to reshape Heineken, whose brands include Strongbow and Amstel, targeting €2 billion of savings by 2023.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and governments’ measures continue to have a material impact on our markets and business,” he stated.

The brewer’s beer sales fell 8.1 percent for the year, although its core Heineken brand only dropped 0.4 percent, significantly outperforming the total market. The brand grew double-digits in 25 markets including Brazil, China and Britain.

However, The zero-alcohol Heineken 0.0 was a rare bright spot, with single-digit growth globally.

But other brands had a mixed performance with growth for Desperados tequila-flavoured beer and a slight rise for Birra Moretti, but Amstel and Sol sales were down.

According to the CEO, Like the rest of the drinks industry, Heineken suffered from the widespread closure of drinking holes around the world.

“The impact of the pandemic on our business was amplified by our on-trade (bars, cafes and restaurants) and geographic exposure,” said Mr van den Brink.

Less than 30 per cent of outlets were operating in Europe, in particular at the end of January, he added.

The brewer, founded in the 19th century in Amsterdam, now sells more than 300 brands worldwide and employs around 85,000 people globally.

Ahmed Rahma is a journalist with great interest in arts and craft. She is also a foodie who loves new ideas. She loves to travel and would love to visit other African countries someday. She is a sucker for historical movies and afrobeat.

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Energia Appoints Oladimeji Bashorun as CEO After Chris Egonu Exit

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Energia

By Adedapo Adesanya

Energia Limited has announced the appointment of Mr Oladimeji Bashorun as its chief executive to lead its next phase of growth following the exit of Mr Chidi Egonu.

Mr Bashorun, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), steps into the role after years of providing strategic and operational leadership within the organisation.

During his tenure as COO, he was at the helm of the company’s operations, driving operational efficiency and supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.

A seasoned oil and gas professional with over two decades of industry experience, Mr Bashorun held several technical and leadership roles at Shell Petroleum Development Company and later at Sahara Upstream before joining Energia.

In these positions, he contributed to operational leadership, asset management, and initiatives focused on improving operational stability and performance, according to a statement by the company.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr George Osahon, Chairman of the Energia board, said: “Oladimeji Bashorun has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise during his time as Chief Operating Officer.

“His commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth has been instrumental to Energia’s progress.

“The board is confident that under his leadership as the Chief Executive Officer, the Company will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in the industry, while delivering sustained value to its stakeholders.”

Speaking on his new role, Mr Bashorun said, “I am honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Energia. Working closely with a talented team that drives the company’s success, I look forward to building on our achievements and advancing Energia’s commitment to operational excellence, responsible energy development, and value creation for our stakeholders.”

Under his leadership, Energia said it will continue to focus on strengthening operational performance, expanding strategic opportunities, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security, while maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.

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Sunu Assurances Picks Olayinka Adaramola as ED for Technical Operations

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SUNU Assurances Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Sunu Assurances Plc has appointed Mr Olayinka Adaramola to its board as an executive director.

The appointee will be in charge of Technical Operations, a statement signed by the company secretary, Taiwo Kuku, disclosed.

Mr Adaramola is an astute insurance professional with over two decades of experience in underwriting, claims and strategic operations, combining technical expertise with academic excellence.

He obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Insurance from Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, in 1996 and MBA in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, in 2009.

He began his professional career in September 1998 in the General Accident Department of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, where he honed his skills in underwriting different classes of insurance business and survey inspections.

Prior to joining the board of SUNU Assurances Nigeria in February 2026, he served as the Executive Director, Technical Operations of Capital Express Indemnity Insurance Limited.

He has attended various courses within Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).

In a related development, Sunu Assurances has announced the resignation of Mrs Olajumoke Bakare from its board with effect from April 1, 2026.

Mrs Bakare served as an independent non-executive director on the board after receiving regulatory approval for her appointment on April 7, 2022.

During her tenure, she served diligently on various board committees and contributed meaningfully to the board’s deliberations.

In accepting her resignation, the board expressed its profound appreciation for Mrs Bakare’s distinguished service, noting her thoughtful contributions, sound judgment, and principled approach to matters before the board.

It further acknowledged that her input significantly influenced both its decisions and overall effectiveness, reinforcing a culture of strong governance rooted not only in technical competence but also in integrity, trust, and composure.

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Michael Uwakwe of Creditville Joins Chams Board as Non-Executive Director

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The chairman of Creditville Limited, Mr Michael Uwakwe, has been appointed to the board of Chams Holding Company Plc as a non-executive director.

His appointment, according to a statement from the organisation, was effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The board expressed confidence in his dynamic leadership, saying it will foster collaboration, inspire teams, and deliver transformative results for stakeholders.

Mr Uwakwe, who retired from TotalEnergies after 30 years of active service, chairs Creditville Limited, a financial services company involved in consumer lending, equipment leasing, capital market operations and real estate.

He is a Human Resources professional by qualification, training and experience with a deep interest in analysing financial markets around the globe. He is also well-versed in all aspects of investment analysis, asset allocation, and risk management and is a PENCOM-approved member of the Investment Strategy Committee of the Total Closed Pension Fund.

Mr Uwakwe sits on the board of Redwood Asset Management Company Limited, a SEC-approved Fund & Portfolio Manager.

He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria, a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (UK), a member of the British Psychological Society (London), and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management.

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