Kenya Airways has announced a series of key appointments and organizational changes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustaining its recent growth. These changes, effective September 1, 2024, are part of the airline’s broader strategy to optimize its operations as it continues to build on the momentum of a significant financial turnaround.
For the first time in a decade, Kenya Airways reported a half-year profit earlier this year, signaling a strong recovery. To further strengthen this positive trajectory, the airline has appointed Mrs. Hellen Mwariri Mathuka as the new Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. Mathuka, who previously served as the airline’s Chief Finance Officer, has been with Kenya Airways since 2009, holding various roles in audit, revenue management, and finance. In her new role, she will be responsible for guiding the airline’s strategic direction, including overseeing innovation, sustainability, corporate communication, network planning, pricing, revenue management, and government affairs. Her leadership will be crucial as the airline advances its strategic turnaround initiative, Project Kifaru 2.0.
To ensure continuity in the finance department, Mary Mwenga has been appointed as the Acting Chief Finance Officer. Mwenga, who previously served as Head of Business Performance & Reporting, brings over 20 years of experience in finance to her new role, where she will manage the airline’s financial operations during this transitional period.
Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the importance of these changes, stating, “By optimizing our internal structures and focusing on strategic areas, Kenya Airways is now better equipped to respond to growing market demands, embrace new opportunities, and sustain our trajectory of growth.” Kilavuka also emphasized the airline’s renewed focus on financial restructuring, cost discipline, and operational efficiency, noting that these priorities provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success in the competitive aviation industry.
