Nairobi, June 30 -- British drinks giant Diageo Plc has promoted Kenyan executive John Musunga to managing director for Africa, placing him in charge of the company's continental business.

The appointment, which takes effect on Wednesday, comes months after Diageo agreed to sell its 65 percent stake in East African Breweries Plc (EABL)for $2.3 billion (Sh296 billion) and its 53.68 percent interest in UDV Kenya for $646 million (Sh83.6 billion) to Japan's Asahi Group Holdings in a deal due to close later this year.

Mr Musunga will relocate from London to Nairobi to oversee Diageo's operations across Africa, underscoring the company's decision to retain a regional management presence in Kenya despite divesting from one of its biggest Afri...