Dashen Breweries SC has announced the appointment of Matyas Getachew as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday, April 27, 2026. The Board of Directors selected Matyas following an extensive global search that attracted senior candidates from around the world.
His appointment marks a significant leadership transition in the industry, as he becomes one of the first Ethiopian executives to head a major beer company in a sector traditionally led by expatriates.
Matyas joined Dashen as Chief Financial Officer in 2020, where he strengthened the company’s financial position, supported strategic decision-making, and reinforced operational discipline across the business. In addition to his CFO responsibilities, he has served as Acting Chief Executive Officer since October 2025.
In this role, he demonstrated strong leadership, established a clear strategic direction, and delivered measurable improvements in performance. He successfully maintained business continuity, managed stakeholder expectations, and drove gains in production efficiency and sales, even amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Industry observers note that this appointment represents an important step forward for Ethiopian leadership in the sector.
Founded more than 25 years ago by Tiret/Nigat Corporate in Gondar, Dashen Breweries later expanded its production capacity. In 2011, the company formed a joint venture with London-based investment firm Duet Vasari to establish an additional brewery in Debre Birhan. Today, Dashen is a leading brand in Ethiopia, widely recognized for its strong community presence and commitment to social responsibility.
Matyas holds a bachelor’s degree from Addis Ababa University’s Commercial College and is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). He also earned a master’s degree from Heriot-Watt University. His international experience includes leadership roles at SABMiller, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and Diageo.
His extensive background provides a strong understanding of international standards, operational excellence, and the dynamics of Ethiopia’s consumer market.
An industry analyst commented: “In today’s challenging landscape, strong local leadership is more important than ever. Matyas’s appointment reflects growing confidence in Ethiopia’s ability to nurture and empower homegrown executives to lead large-scale consumer businesses.”
With a legacy spanning more than 25 years, Dashen Breweries is positioning itself to combine heritage with innovation and sustainable growth—placing its trust in Matyas’s leadership. Notably, other major players such as Coca-Cola and Unilever have also recently appointed local CEOs, underscoring a broader trend toward local leadership in multinational corporations.
For more information:
Abraham Zerihun
Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager
+251 929 268 700
Dashen Breweries Share Company
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
