Ruth Ibikunle
Thibaut Francois Baptiste Boidin, the Managing Director / CEO of Nigerian Breweries PLC was appointed by the board to replace Mr. Hans Essaadi on July 1, 2025 after his tenure ended.
Boidin has quite the impressive resume. Before joining Nigerian Breweries, he worked with various multinational companies in different capacities, honing his skills in management and operations. His journey through the corporate world has been marked by significant achievements. You might say he’s had a knack for turning challenges into opportunities, which is no small feat in such a competitive industry.
He joined the HEINEKEN Group in 2017 as Deputy CEO of France Boissons and, in 2020, expanded his responsibilities to include the role of Chief Transformation Officer for HEINEKEN France. He subsequently served as Chief Transformation Officer for HEINEKEN Europe, based in Amsterdam.
Until his appointment to Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Boidin was the Managing Director of HEINEKEN Romania, one of the Group’s largest operations in Eastern Europe.
Prior to joining HEINEKEN, Mr. Boidin served as an officer in the French Armed Forces across various continents. He later transitioned to the corporate sector, where he held senior executive and Managing Director roles in leading French organisations, including Elis and Veolia.
Thibaut is a figure whose influence in the brewing industry cannot be overstated. Since taking the helm, he has brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will be valuable to the growth and progress of the company.
Embracing the new chapter as the Managing Director of NB, Thibaut who was excited about the role, a champion for pushing initiatives and sustainability has been improving on the strong foundation and legacy forged by his predecessors. He’s just few months into his tenure and according to him, customers are at the heart of everything Nigerian Breweries PLC does, and their experiences are a driving force that will guide his journey. In the coming weeks and months, he will focus on connecting with customers, consumers, partners, and of course passionate people across the business.
Prior to his appointment, the shares of Nigerian Breweries has been doing well. Since Boidin stepped into his role, the stock has continued to show resilience and growth, a testament to his strategic decisions and vision for the company’s future. So far, there has been no negative buzz around the company’s performance.
Boidin’s leadership style is worth mentioning. He’s known for being approachable and inclusive, fostering a culture of collaboration within the team. Employees often speak highly of him, appreciating his ability to listen and act on feedback. This has cultivated a positive work environment, which I believe is crucial for any organization’s success.
In conclusion, Thibaut Francois Baptiste Boidin is not just a name on a business card; he’s a dynamic leader reshaping the landscape of Nigerian Breweries. With his solid academic background, extensive career experience, and a clear vision for innovation and sustainability, he’s making waves in the brewing industry. His contributions have undoubtedly strengthened the company’s position in the market, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds under his guidance. We hope to see introduction of new products that will cater to the evolving tastes of consumers.
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the pioneer and largest brewing Company in Nigeria was incorporated in 1946 as “Nigerian Brewery Limited”. Nigerian Breweries Plc. engages in the brewing and marketing of Lager beer, Stout and non-alcoholic malt drinks and the bottling of the Schweppes range of soft drinks and Crush Orange. The company’s product range includes Star, Gulder, Legend Extra Stout, Maltina and Malta. These products are mainly sold in Nigeria and other neighboring countries.
Nigerian Breweries is a recipient of several awards and recognitions in other areas of its operations including product quality, marketing excellence, productivity and innovation, health and safety, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.