SBC Announces Leadership Transition

Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd. (SBC), one of Nigeria’s leading beverage manufacturers, today announced a strategic leadership transition, as Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director, retires after nearly 18 years of remarkable service.

Sari El-Khalil, a current SBC Board Member and Chief Transformation Officer, will assume the role of Managing Director, effective July 1, 2025.

During Ziad’s tenure, SBC experienced a period of significant growth and transformation, from expanding its manufacturing capacity to launching new product lines, including Aquafina, Lipton Ice Tea, and Supa Komando, and pioneering sustainability efforts across Nigeria.

The company’s incoming Managing Director, Sari El-Khalil, brings a unique blend of global experience and local insight. Sari spent his childhood years in Nigeria, where he completed his primary education, before moving abroad.

He began his career at the company and has held multiple roles across sales, operations, and finance. After completing his MBA at NYU Stern and gaining international experience with PepsiCo USA, Sari returned to spearhead digitisation and automation efforts as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. He later became SBC’s first Chief Transformation Officer, leading an ambitious, company-wide transformation and reinforcing SBC’s resilience and readiness for the future.

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Commenting on his new role, Sari said, “Building on the strong foundation laid by the company’s founders, as well as Ziad and the team, I am committed to driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, guided by our people-first ethos.

“Together, we will continue to shape the future of our industry and make a positive impact across Nigeria. As we look to the future, we carry forward the same ambition, the same values, and the same mission that has defined SBC for decades.”