Michelle Kilpin is the newly appointed Managing Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), making history as the first female to hold this position in the company’s 90-year history.
With over 19 years of experience at ABInBev, she previously served as Managing Director of Zambia Breweries Limited, where she significantly contributed to growth and market expansion.
Kilpin’s appointment reflects a broader commitment to gender inclusivity in corporate leadership across Africa, marking a pivotal moment for both TBL and the industry at large.
Education
Kilpin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) with Honors in Marketing Management from the University of Johannesburg, which she completed between 1999 and 2002.
This educational background laid the foundation for her successful career in the brewing industry, where she has accumulated over 20 years of experience.
Early career
Kilpin began her career in 2004 as a Sales Representative at South African Breweries.
In this role, she was responsible for promoting and selling the company’s products, where her strong sales acumen and understanding of market dynamics quickly became evident.
Kilpin’s impressive performance led to a rapid advancement, and by 2007, she was promoted to Sales Manager.
In this position, she oversaw a larger team and developed strategies to increase market share.
During her tenure as Sales Manager, Kilpin honed her leadership skills and gained valuable experience in managing sales operations and team dynamics.
From 2010 to 2014, she served as Sales Business Integration Manager, focusing on integrating various sales functions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
In this capacity, she played a key role in streamlining processes and improving communication across departments, significantly contributing to overall sales growth.
In 2017, Kilpin transitioned to AB InBev as the Innovation Director for the African Zone.
In this role, she was responsible for spearheading new product development and innovative marketing strategies tailored to the diverse African markets.
Under her leadership, several successful product launches occurred, which helped strengthen AB InBev’s presence across the continent.
In 2020, Kilpin was appointed Country Director of Zambian Breweries during a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She navigated the company through significant operational challenges, ensuring business continuity while prioritizing employee safety.
Kilpin’s strategic vision during this time led to increased market penetration and revenue growth, solidifying Zambian Breweries’ position in the market.
Recognitions
Notably, Kilpin made history as the first female Managing Director of Tanzania Breweries Limited, a landmark appointment that underscores her role in promoting gender inclusivity in Africa’s corporate landscape.
During her tenure at Zambian Breweries, she was instrumental in achieving topline growth and market share expansion, which earned the company accolades, including the Corporate Governance Awards from the Lusaka Stock Exchange in 2017.
Additionally, under her leadership, the marketing team at Tanzania Breweries was honored at the prestigious Tanzania Marketing Awards, further highlighting her impact on the industry.
