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ARNOLDA SHIUNDU
SUSTAINABILITY LEAD, DIAGEO AFRICA
Arnolda Shiundu radiates leadership prowess in the domain of corporate communications, harnessing over a decade of illustrious experience. With a steadfast focus on sustainability and climate leadership, she adeptly forges partnerships, orchestrates media relations, and crafts strategic communications. Arnolda’s career journey is distinguished by her unwavering commitment to integrity in business practices, elevating critical decisions, and fostering enduring relationships.
Arnolda currently plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing Diageo’s sustainability strategy across the continent. Since assuming this position in 2022, she has been leveraging her extensive background in sustainability, public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications to drive positive change.
In her previous role as Head of Sustainability and Community Engagement at Kenya Breweries (KBL), Arnolda spearheaded the development and implementation of KBL’s groundbreaking sustainability agenda. This blueprint has also shaped Diageo’s sustainability initiatives in Africa and across the globe.
Before joining Diageo and its affiliated companies, Arnolda gained extensive experience in the public relations (PR) industry. She worked at the agency level at Redhouse Group and served as an in-house PR Communications Manager at Red Cross.
Additionally, Arnolda served a one-year tenure as an Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Devolution and Planning. In this capacity, she developed and executed a comprehensive communications strategy for all state departments within the ministry. Her guidance led to a 40 percent increase in efficiency, enabling successful launches of national programs under the Cabinet Secretary’s direction.
Arnolda has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2021, she was honoured as one of Kenya’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Women’ by Business Daily, and was also included in the esteemed ‘Meaningful Business 100’ (MB100). The MB100 celebrates global leaders who effectively integrate profit and purpose, advancing the United Nations (UN) Global Goals. Additionally, Arnolda is a five-time recipient of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) Industry Excellence Awards for her exceptional communication campaigns.
Arnolda fondly recalls her early childhood days at Loreto Convent School Mombasa, where she eagerly joined the Wildlife Club enticed by the prospect of end-of-term trips to Amboseli or Tsavo National Park. While initially drawn by the thrill of travel, this experience ignited her passion for conservation. Now, years later, she embraces her role as a Board Member of Kenya Wildlife Trust, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to shape a sustainable future through conservation efforts.
Moreover, Arnolda serves as a Board Member for United Way, a global organisation committed to advancing the common good in communities worldwide. She also holds the position of Member of the Board of Advisors for the PLO Lumumba Foundation, lending her expertise to further the foundation’s mission.
Previously, she played a pivotal role as a Member of the Management Board for the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation, where she championed responsible environmental practices and sustainability initiatives. Through these diverse roles, Arnolda continues to make meaningful contributions to both local and global communities.
The accomplished communications expert earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Communications with a specialisation in PR from Concordia University in Moorhead, Minnesota (USA). During her tenure, she proudly represented the university in track and field competitions and served as a college radio talk show host. Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Arts (MA) degree in PR and Corporate Communications at Georgetown University in Washington DC (USA), graduating cum laude.
Arnolda underscores the importance of sustainability as a crucial business imperative in today’s competitive landscape. She fervently champions sustainability efforts in Africa, believing that businesses must prioritise doing good for their communities and the environment while also delivering value to shareholders.
According to her, achieving greatness requires an unwavering personal commitment to excellence. “That is what drives me to date…striving to be excellent,” Arnolda emphasises.
Beyond her professional endeavours, she is deeply passionate about nature and the outdoors. “I try to live a purposeful life and prioritise my health through physical exercise and meditation,” she shares. As a recreational runner and hiker, Arnolda has completed the Berlin Marathon and summited Mount Kenya twice in 12 months.
