Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has appointed Andries (Dries) van der Sandt as Manager: Marketing, effective 01 September 2022, following the resignation of Rene Duffy in March this year. As part of his role, Dries will be responsible to lead the formidable marketing team which is responsible for the internationally acclaimed Windhoek trademark and other prized national brands such as Tafel Lager and Hansa Draught.
Says Dries: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the NBL family of people and brands! Although NBL is one of the most admired businesses within Namibia, its track record, portfolio of brands and potential for future growth is recognized beyond the borders of Namibia. With all the new developments currently in play, the opportunities are massive, and I can’t think of a better time to join this amazing team. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the amazing people of NBL and together with my team and our various business partners, start to harness our collective passion, experience, effort, and energy to create the next chapter in what is an already impressive century old success story.”
Dries comes with a wealth of knowledge in the field of FMCG marketing that spans over 25 years in various marketing and commercial roles in the beer and liquor industry. He has honed his marketing skills in markets like China, Vietnam, and South Africa, working for several global businesses. He further has a great understanding of connecting brands and consumers in both developing and mature markets, a much-needed skill for NBL to continue driving their multi-facetted brands and volume growth to the global consumer markets.
On the appointment Marco Wenk, Managing Director of NBL had the following to say: “I am extremely pleased to welcome Dries to NBL and am confident that he will add substantial value while leading our highly-experienced marketing team to further heights and supporting us in our future growth through the implementation of new and exciting brand strategies.”
