Rwanda's main beer and beverages producer, Bralirwa, has appointed Victor Madiela the new managing director, the firm said in a statement yesterday. He replaces Jonathan Hall, who has been Braliwa’s chief executive since 2012.

He is also the current chairman board of directors Bralirwa and the former managing director of Burundi-based Brarudi Heineken. He takes office effective August 31.

The Rwanda Stock Exchange listed beverages firm closed at Rwf159 during yesterday’s trading session.

Meanwhile, the firm has hailed Hall’s commitment and leadership that has helped it to strengthen its footprint in the region.

Bralirwa posted a 6.2 per cent growth in net revenue during the first half of 2016 to about Rwf43 billion between January and June from Rwf40.5 billion during the same period in 2015.

Its gross revenue was at Rwf65.6 billion compared to Rwf62.2 billion last year. The increase according to the outgoing managing Director is largely attributed to the growth in sales and volumes, especially for soft drinks.

The beverage firm pushed 888,000 hectolitres during the reporting period, a growth of 3.5 per cent from 858,000 hectolitres last year. However, the firm’s  profit before tax dropped by 82 per cent over the reporting period.