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Lionel T. Marumahoko Snr is a distinguished global executive, strategic advisor, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. With over 25 years of senior leadership experience at The Coca-Cola Company, Lionel has
successfully led commercial operations, strategic transformations, and regional expansions across 36 markets, while living and working in eight countries on four continents. His career is defined by a
consistent ability to translate global business challenges into growth opportunities, leveraging a deep understanding of local market dynamics within a broader international context.
Renowned for delivering high-impact outcomes, Lionel has led business turnarounds, managed mergers, and acquisitions, executed multi-market transformations, and spearheaded new market entries. His cross industry
expertise spans consumer packaged goods, technology services, agribusiness, and nonprofit leadership.
Lionel is known for his ability to unify diverse teams, unlock organizational value, and architect agile operating models that scale.
As Managing Partner of BPL Africa Connect, Lionel currently advises corporates, startups, and impact driven ventures on strategy, growth, and execution. His advisory portfolio includes over 50 countries, with
an emphasis on unlocking Africa’s potential through inclusive business models and scalable solutions.
Notable engagements include:
• Driving market entry and go-to-market strategy for a European communications firm across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Leading business transformation for a global tech investment firm operating in frontier markets.
• Supporting IPO readiness and operational realignment for a multinational conglomerate.
Lionel also founded Dairy and Beef Global Solutions, a New Zealand-based agri-tech venture, focused on improving livestock productivity in tropical and high-climate regions through superior genetics and sustainable farming methods. The venture contributes to food security and rural economic development across Africa and Asia.
During his tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, Lionel held multiple senior executive roles and played a critical role in shaping the company’s footprint across Africa. Key appointments included:
• Director of M&A, West Africa – spearheaded acquisitions and commercial partnerships to drive portfolio expansion.
• VP & General Manager, West, Horn & Mid-Africa – managed a $180M P&L and led commercial strategy across 30 countries.
• VP & GM, Stills Portfolio, Africa – drove exponential growth of non-carbonated beverages, scaling Minute Maid to a $1B brand in the region.
In addition to operational leadership, Lionel is deeply committed to inclusive development and corporate responsibility. He led a pioneering partnership between Coca-Cola, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Techno Serve to build fruit value chains in East Africa—empowering local farmers and creating sustainable supply systems. He also championed the rollout of Coca-Cola’s 5by20 program, which supported over 100,000 women entrepreneurs through access to training, finance, and markets.
Beyond corporate leadership, Lionel contributes actively to philanthropy and social impact initiatives. He serves as:
• Chair of Trustees at SolarAid, a UK-based charity delivering solar light to off-grid communities in Africa, reducing reliance on kerosene and improving educational outcomes.
• President of Uncommon.org Zimbabwe, which equips over 10,000 young people annually with digital skills and access to tech careers.
• Trustee at Simply Limitless, a UK charity focused on holistic well-being and community inclusion.
Lionel’s leadership is grounded in values of integrity, innovation, and inclusive progress. He is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, sustainable development, and African-led enterprise.
Through his multifaceted career—as a corporate leader, entrepreneur, advisor, and philanthropist—Lionel continues to shape impactful solutions at the intersection of business, technology, and social change.
