Experienced finance professional Eric Kanja has been appointed finance and strategy director of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) replacing Busola Doregos, effective 1 August 2024.
Prior to his appointment, Eric served as finance and strategy director for Diageo Japan. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex financial challenges and drive business growth across various industries, most notably within the beverage sector. His expertise in strategic financial management and leadership has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the companies he has worked with, making him a key player in the corporate world.
At Diageo Japan, Eric played a pivotal role in aligning the company’s financial strategies with its broader business goals. Since taking on the role in December 2021, he had been at the forefront of crafting and executing a luxury strategy that positions Diageo’s premium and super deluxe brands for success in a market known for its discerning consumers. Under his leadership, Diageo was able to allocate resources effectively.
Before his tenure at Diageo Japan, Eric held several key positions within KBL. As the commercial finance manager and later as the interim finance & strategy director, Eric led various initiatives that significantly improved the company’s performance. His efforts in spearheading a strategy reboot for the Kenya business, developing innovative incentive schemes, and implementing strategic pricing mechanisms were critical in driving KBL’s growth during challenging times, including the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
From his early days at Kenya Shell, where he redefined treasury management practices, to his role at East African Breweries Ltd, where he led the transition of key financial processes, Eric has consistently showcased his talent for strategic leadership and creative problem-solving.
Eric is a certified public accountant (Kenya) and holds a bachelors in accounting from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, which was obtained in 2002.
Former KBL CFO Busola has joined Guinness Ghana as finance director.
