WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) named Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Middle East, South Asia at PepsiCo, as its new chair, effective March 2021.
“We are honored to have Eugene Willemsen join us at this pivotal time as the U.S. looks to build stronger ties with our partners in Africa,” said Scott Eisner, president of the Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center. “Willemsen brings a depth of experience working in the global sphere, and the USAfBC is fortunate to have an opportunity to tap into his expertise,” said Eisner.
During his time at PepsiCo., Willemsen has served in a variety of leadership roles. His responsibilities have included overseeing the strategic direction of PepsiCo’s global categories and brands as well as PepsiCo’s global commercial functions and leading the company’s global tea joint venture with Unilever, which operates in roughly 120 countries worldwide. Eugene has earned a reputation as a transformative leader who can harness the power of diverse teams to create high-performing businesses and some of the world’s most resonate brands.
“American businesses see immense potential in Africa’s markets. I look forward to leading the U.S.-Africa Business Center’s efforts to boost trade and investment opportunities across the continent while simultaneously promoting wider and more sustainable ways of working for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Willemsen.
Willemsen also served as a board member of the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the AdCouncil, and the Dutch Grocery Manufacturers Association, where he served as its Chairman. In 2017, he was named one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Netherlands at 50.”
PepsiCo’s Eugene Willemsen Named Chair of U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center (USAfBC) named Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Middle East, South Asia at PepsiCo, as its new chair, effective March 2021.
