Nick Blazquez Quits Guinness Nigeria, Replaced With John O’Keeffe

Less than 24 hours after it announced its first ever loss in 20 years, Guinness Nigeria PLC has announced the resignation of its Vice Chairman, Nick Blazquez and his immediate replacement with John O’Keeffe.

In a statement released by Rotimi Odusola, the company secretary, the move is a fallout of a recent changes to the constitution of the Board of Directors of Guinness Nigeria Plc. His departure took effect from 4th July 2016.

It is unclear why the company is announcing it today. Apparently, Nick’s resignation was not approved by the board since then. The company confirmed that ”The Board formally considered and accepted his resignation at the meeting of the Board held on 19 September 2016”.

John O’Keeffe, the new Vice Chairman of the group, is also the President for Diageo Africa and a Non-Executive Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc and was immediately elected by the ”Board at the meeting of the Board held on 19 September 2016”.

Nicholas Boso Blazquez, also known as Nick, served as the President of Diageo Africa and Asia Pacific at Diageo plc from September 01, 2014 to June 30, 2016 and also served as its President of Diageo Africa, Eurasia & Pacific from July 1, 2014 to September 1, 2014.

Dr. Blazquez served as the President of Africa, Turkey, Russia, Central and Eastern Europe Operations at Diageo plc from November 2012 to July 1, 2014. He served as the President of Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey at Diageo plc. since November 9, 2012. 

He served as the President of Africa at Diageo plc from August 2004 to November 9, 2012. He served as Managing Director of Africa at Diageo plc since August 2004 and served as its Chairman of the Private Investors for Africa. He serves as the Non-Executive Vice Chairman of United Spirits Limited. He has been Group Deputy Chairman and Director of East African Breweries Ltd. since August 2005.

He has been Vice Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc since February 2006 and has been its a Director since September 2004. Dr. Blazquez served as a Director of United National Breweries (SA) (Pty) Limited until March 17 2016. He has been a Director at United Spirits Limited since October 20, 2014.

He has been a Non Executive Director at Namibia Breweries Ltd. since September 2, 2004. He served as a Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd. from May 2005 to February 17, 2009. Dr. Blazquez Holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Aberdeen and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol.