Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the retirement of Emmanuel Oriakhi, its Sales Director, after more than 23 years with the company and its parent organisation, HEINEKEN, marking the departure of a senior executive whose career spanned marketing, brand innovation and commercial leadership.
Oriakhi’s retirement took effect on November 10, 2026, following a career that began in 2003 when he joined the brewer as a Commercial Management Trainee.
According to Nigerian Breweries, Oriakhi built his career across marketing, commercial and sales leadership roles in Nigeria and internationally, including a three-year stint as Manager, Business Development, at Heineken Global Commerce (AMEE) between 2015 and 2018.
He returned to Nigeria in September 2018 as Marketing Director, a position he held for six years, during which he led the company’s marketing and innovation activities and contributed to the expansion of its brand portfolio.
His tenure coincided with the introduction of several products, including Desperados, Zagg, Legend Twist, Goldberg Black and Heineken 45cl, as the company expanded its offerings across different consumer segments.
In March 2025, Oriakhi moved into the role of Sales Director, bringing his marketing and commercial experience to the company’s sales operations.
In that capacity, he was responsible for advancing trade execution, strengthening sales capabilities and improving customer service, according to the company.
His progression from a management trainee to a director over more than two decades reflects a career spanning different areas of the brewer’s operations, from brand development and innovation to market execution and sales leadership.
Nigerian Breweries appreciated Oriakhi saying: “Nigerian Breweries thanks Oriakhi for his dedication, leadership, and contributions to the company and the wider HEINEKEN organisation over the past 23 years,”
The brewer also wished him and his family success in the next chapter of their lives.
The company, however, did not announce an immediate replacement, stating that Oriakhi’s successor would be communicated in due course.
The retirement comes as a significant leadership transition for the brewer, given Oriakhi’s extensive experience across its commercial and marketing functions.
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