Kenyan Iddah Asin appointed first Executive Director of ICBA Africa

The International Council of Beverages Associations (ICBA) has announced the launch of its Africa charter, appointing Kenyan Iddah Asin as its first Executive Director.

The move reflects Africa’s growing market potential and the sector’s commitment to collaborating with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to share best practices, support evidence-based policymaking, and pursue shared goals.

ICBA Africa will work alongside ICBA Latin America and ICBA Asia Pacific, expanding the council’s global network and strengthening its advocacy on issues such as health and environmental sustainability.

Ms. Asin, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, brings decades of experience in health policy and sustainability, having served as Head of Government Affairs and Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson and as Manager for Government and Industry Affairs at Kenya Airways.

She has previously been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers by the Nairobi Legal Awards in 2024 and as one of Kenya’s Top 40 under 40 Women by the Nation Media Group in 2017.

Based in Nairobi, she will collaborate closely with ICBA’s leadership, including Vice President and Beverage Association of South Africa CEO Mpho Thothela.

“I’m truly honored to become the first Executive Director of ICBA Africa and to help the sector contribute to positive outcomes on the continent and around the world, building from Africa’s unique priorities and maximizing our collective potential,” said Ms. Asin.

ICBA President Andrés Massieu hailed the appointment as “a significant milestone for the sector,” adding: “Benefitting from Ms. Asin’s deep expertise in public-private collaboration, health, and sustainability, we are confident that ICBA Africa will be a valuable resource to governments and stakeholders throughout the region and globally.”

ICBA Executive Director Kate Loatman also welcomed Ms. Asin, saying: “I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Asin to this important role and could not be more excited to work together to continue growing ICBA’s impact as a powerful platform for engagement, partnerships and progress.”

Founded in 1995, ICBA represents the worldwide non-alcoholic beverage industry, with members including national and regional beverage associations and international companies operating in more than 200 countries and territories.