The corporate tectonic plates at East African Breweries PLC (EABL) are shifting. The regional brewer has announced that its Group Chief Financial Officer, Risper Genga Ohaga, will step down in June 2026, marking the end of a six-year tenure that saw the company navigate the choppy waters of the Covid-19 pandemic and record tax hikes.

Ohaga’s exit comes just a month after Japanese giant Asahi Group announced its acquisition of Diageo’s majority stake in EABL, a move that is expected to trigger a broader reshuffle of the executive suite. While the board stated she is leaving to "pursue interests outside the group," analysts view the departure as the first domino to fall in the transition to new ownership.

A Legacy of Resilience

Ohaga leaves behind a formidable legacy. She is credited with optimizing EABL’s balance sheet during the pandemic, ensuring the company remained liquid when bars were closed and revenue dried up. Her tenure also saw EABL navigate a punishing excise duty regime, balancing cost discipline with strategic investments in marketing and innovation.

"She has been one of the sharpest knives in the cutlery drawer," noted a market analyst. "Managing EABL’s books in an era of shilling depreciation and inflation was no small feat. Her successor will have big shoes to fill."

• The Asahi Factor: The entry of Asahi, known for its aggressive global expansion, suggests a new strategic direction for EABL. The Japanese firm is likely to install its own lieutenants in key financial and operational roles to align the Kenyan subsidiary with its global vision.
• What Next? Ohaga will stay on until June 30 to ensure a seamless handover. Her next move remains a closely guarded secret, but given her track record—which includes stints at Absa—she is likely to resurface in a top-tier role within the continent’s blue-chip ecosystem.