Malolan Sampath has formally assumed office as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Champion Breweries Plc, effective 1 September 2026, following a leadership transition at the Nigerian brewer.
Champion Breweries announced the development in a regulatory disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), signed by the company’s Chairman, Imo-Abasi Jacob. The assumption of office follows the Board’s earlier approval of Sampath’s appointment in June.
The Board approved Sampath’s appointment on 22 June 2026, following the resignation of Inalegwu Adoga as Managing Director and CEO. The appointment was scheduled to take effect on 1 September 2026.
To ensure continuity during the transition, Champion Breweries appointed Rasheed Ademola Adebiyi, its Executive Director of Finance, as Acting Managing Director until Sampath assumed office. The company also acknowledged Adebiyi’s contribution during the transition period.
According to Champion Breweries, Sampath brings more than 26 years of international leadership experience across the beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturing and agro-industrial sectors.
His previous roles include Managing Director of Unique Beverages in Angola and Sales and Marketing Director for a PepsiCo bottling franchise. Before joining Champion Breweries, he served as Managing Director of the NPK Joint Venture and Chief Marketing Officer at Indorama Eleme Fertilizers in Nigeria. He also previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Global Industries Limited, a Wilmar International joint venture in Zambia.
Champion Breweries said it expects Sampath’s experience in manufacturing, commercial execution and business transformation to support its strategic objectives and next phase of growth.
The Board said it was confident that his leadership would help advance the company’s objectives, strengthen its market position and deliver sustainable long-term value to shareholders and other stakeholders.
Sampath takes over as Champion Breweries enters a period of expanded operations following its acquisition of the Bullet brand portfolio.
The company reported ₦35.73 billion in group revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2026, representing a 124.2% increase from ₦15.93 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to its unaudited half-year financial results.
Champion Breweries is listed on the Nigerian Exchange under the ticker CHAMPION.
