The Nile Breweries LTD leadership team ushered Adu Rando into the Ugandan culture by gifting him a kanzu, a traditional tunic that forms one of Uganda’s cultural outfits. The latter, a native of Brazil, recently took over the reins of the leading brewer as Country Director replacing David Valencia who had served in the same capacity for two years. Rando has worked for NBL mother company AB InBev for the past 20 years in different capacities in Brazil, China and East Africa, particularly Tanzania.
“I am excited to be heading Uganda’s leading beer company, the producer of some of the greatest beers like Nile Special. Under my leadership, we will continue to impact our communities through CSR initiatives like the Equality Scholars Program, Water Stewardship Program, and Farmers’ support, among others,” Rando said during a ceremony held at NBL Head Offices on the 2nd February 2023 to welcome him officially.
He added, “The beer industry is resilient and will continue to grow. Beer is local, natural and inclusive, and if consumed properly, it is healthy for you. We look forward to more engagements with all the stakeholders as we lay a conducive environment for the sector to grow and create more impact in Uganda.” Rando further commented on the ongoing discussion on further regulation of the Alcohol sector by the government; “Uganda has enough laws and regulations in terms of Alcohol control and does not need any more. What is needed now are more stringent control laws against Illicit Alcohol that continue to hinder the sector’s progress and have proved harmful to the lives of Ugandans.”
Valencia who takes on the role of Commercial Strategy Director, Africa Zone for AB InBev, welcomed his successor at the event. Valencia, based in South Africa, confirmed that the elaborate transition process would give Rando a smooth landing. “We are very proud of the resilience that Nile Breweries has made in the last two years. The company is solid and healthy, and we are hopeful that it will continue growing because the sector has stabilised,” he said.
Onapito Ekomoloit, the Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, likened the change to a substitution within a winning team. “One-star player is giving way to another star player because the team is winning. We can afford the luxury of getting the star player to wait for your next match. He has contributed enormously, and you’re sure the one coming in can only add more goals,” he said.
Rando joins us after serving as the Route To Market Director, Greater Africa, based in Dar es Salaam Tanzania from 2021. As a results-driven international business leader, Rando has extensive experience in sales, operations, digital sales systems platforms, e-commerce, sales structure and process optimization. His long sales and operations experience in different channels on three large and diverse continents and his unique expertise in driving technological change across markets have provided him with a solid base for his role.