A New Era of Leadership: Seven-Up Bottling Company Announces Transition
Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd (SBC), a prominent player in Nigeria’s beverage industry, is embarking on a significant leadership transition. Ziad Maalouf, the current Managing Director, is set to retire after an impressive 18-year tenure marked by substantial growth and transformation. His successor, Sari El-Khalil, currently a board member and Chief Transformation Officer, will assume the mantle of Managing Director starting July 1, 2025. This carefully orchestrated transition reflects SBC’s commitment to both continuity and evolution, ensuring the company’s continued success in the dynamic Nigerian market.
Maalouf’s legacy at SBC is one of remarkable achievement. He spearheaded a comprehensive redefinition of the company’s go-to-market strategy, significantly expanded manufacturing capabilities, and introduced innovative product lines such as Aquafina, Lipton Ice Tea, and Supa Komando. Beyond product diversification, Maalouf championed sustainability initiatives, establishing SBC as a leader in environmental stewardship within Nigeria. His leadership fostered a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and shared purpose, positioning SBC as a national force in the beverage sector. As he steps down, Maalouf expresses pride in the company’s accomplishments and confidence in its future under new leadership, indicating his continued involvement in supporting Nigerian businesses through SME Scale Up.
El-Khalil, the incoming Managing Director, embodies a unique blend of global expertise and local understanding. Having spent his formative years in Nigeria, he possesses a deep connection to the country’s culture and business landscape. His career trajectory within SBC is a testament to his dedication and versatility, having held roles across sales, operations, and finance. After enriching his skillset with an MBA from NYU Stern and international experience at PepsiCo USA, El-Khalil returned to SBC in 2020 as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. In this role, he spearheaded crucial digitization and automation initiatives, laying the groundwork for the company’s future-ready posture.
El-Khalil’s subsequent appointment as SBC’s inaugural Chief Transformation Officer further solidified his leadership credentials. He oversaw a comprehensive transformation that enhanced the company’s agility and positioned it for sustained growth in the years to come. As he assumes the role of Managing Director, El-Khalil emphasizes his commitment to building on the strong foundation laid by the company’s founders and his predecessor. He articulates a vision focused on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, guided by a people-first philosophy. El-Khalil pledges to continue shaping the future of the beverage industry in Nigeria and making a positive impact across the nation.
The Board of SBC has expressed unwavering confidence in this leadership transition. Chairman Faysal El-Khalil highlights Sari El-Khalil’s unique qualifications, citing his global perspective and extensive experience within SBC as key assets for navigating the company’s next phase. Simultaneously, the board extends its profound gratitude to Ziad Maalouf for his nearly two decades of visionary leadership. This seamless transition underscores SBC’s commitment to long-term growth, resilience, and contribution to national development. The company remains anchored in enduring values while embracing leadership evolution with clear purpose.
This transition marks a pivotal moment for SBC, representing the culmination of years of strategic planning and leadership development. As Ziad Maalouf passes the baton to Sari El-Khalil, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. El-Khalil’s deep understanding of the Nigerian market, coupled with his global experience and proven leadership within SBC, positions him ideally to navigate the complexities of the evolving beverage industry. The continuity of values and commitment to sustainable growth ensures that SBC remains a vital force in Nigeria’s economic landscape. This carefully orchestrated transition signifies not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of SBC’s enduring mission to serve, inspire, and lead. The company’s strong foundation and forward-thinking approach promise a bright future under its new leadership.
