About the Author
Victor Ikem started his career in the wine and spirit sector as a brand builder for Campari Group brands in Nigeria. He was tasked with cultivating the Nigerian market, particularly targeting younger audiences within the bitters category. In that capacity, he introduced various tailored consumer and trade promotions, leading to remarkable annual sales growth and increased market presence. Following this, he transitioned into consumer electronics as a product marketing manager for LG Electronics in West Africa and then into banking as a deputy manager in corporate affairs at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. He later took on the role of General Manager at a medium-sized wine import company, focused on distributing wines from Germany, France, and South Africa.
Highly knowledgeable about the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s wine and spirits marketplace, he has built and maintained strong relationships with on-trade and off-trade partners, consistently developing and executing strategies for market entry, brand promotions, and sales initiatives across B2B and B2C channels. He fosters lucrative partnerships with affluent consumers, upscale hotels, bars, modern retail, and traditional market channels, which serve as pivotal sales and revenue avenues. Victor is deeply committed to the wine and spirits industry and its impact on the economy, and he actively contributes to the sector’s growth in various capacities.
As a prominent thought leader in Nigeria’s wine market, he has participated in international wine exhibitions, market trips, and conferences in the United States, Italy, France, Germany, and South Africa. In 2022, he was a speaker at the Wine2Wine Business Forum in Verona, Italy, through the Vinitaly International Academy. As the founder and director of Drinks Revolution Limited, a registered company in Nigeria, he manages the daily operations and core functions of the business, collaborating with a skilled team of professionals. He also established the Lagos Wine School (LWS) with the aim of making wine education accessible in Nigeria. In 2023, Victor served on the jury for Best Value-VIN-De France in Paris, and he holds a doctorate in Communication and Media.
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