Staff Writer
Harare — Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited has announced the upcoming retirement of its long-serving Managing Director, Mr Charles Nkululeko Msipa, marking the end of an illustrious 20-year chapter with the beverage company.
His retirement, effective end of April 2025, was formally announced by Board Chairman Mr. Vuli Ndlovu.
Mr. Msipa’s journey with Schweppes began in 2005 when he was appointed Sales and Marketing Director, before rising to the role of Managing Director a year later.
A seasoned executive with 13 years of prior experience at The Coca-Cola Company across multiple countries, Mr. Msipa brought a wealth of international expertise to Schweppes’ leadership team.
Under his stewardship, Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited underwent significant transformation. In 2009, he played a pivotal role in the localisation of the company’s shareholding structure, enabling management and employee ownership—a landmark move that aligned with broader economic empowerment initiatives.
His tenure also saw Schweppes navigate a volatile economic landscape with resilience and strategic foresight.
Key achievements under his leadership include the establishment of the Beitbridge Juicing Company, an important step in value addition and agro-industrial growth, and a substantial expansion of Schweppes’ product portfolio, reinforcing its market leadership in the beverages sector.
Beyond Schweppes, Mr Msipa made notable contributions to the broader business community. He is a past president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), a former chairman of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSD), and has served on the boards of various private and public sector entities, including the PET Recycling Company of Zimbabwe and the National Competitiveness Commission.
In his statement, Mr. Ndlovu expressed the board’s deep gratitude: “Charles has provided unwavering leadership during both challenging and prosperous times.
“His legacy of innovation, inclusion, and integrity will remain embedded in the DNA of Schweppes. We wish him all the best as he begins a well-deserved retirement.”
Mr Msipa’s departure marks the close of a defining era at Schweppes, one characterized by bold vision, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
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