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KINYA KIMOTHO
FINANCE DIRECTOR, DIAGEO
I am Finance Director at Diageo Partner Emerging Markets, Africa, a role that has given me the opportunity to oversee financial strategies across a dynamic and diverse organisation. My journey to this position has been one of resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to mentorship, shaped by the experiences and challenges I have encountered along the way.
I was born into a middle-class family in Nairobi, the second-born of four children and the only girl. Our family faced a devastating loss when my eldest brother died in a drink-driving accident at just 19 years old. Despite this tragedy, my childhood was filled with warmth and support. My mother worked as a Clinical Officer, and my father was employed by the Nairobi City Council during a time when the city was known for its cleanliness. I began my education at Lavington Primary School and later attended Moi Nairobi Girls for high school.
After narrowly missing the cut-off for my preferred courses in Commerce or Law, I found myself studying Education at Kenyatta University (KU), with a focus on Economics and Business Education. Although teaching was not my initial goal, my father’s advice to first earn a degree before pursuing accountancy proved to be invaluable.
My education provided me with the ability to simplify complex concepts, a skill that has become a cornerstone of my approach to finance. I often rely on analogies, moving from the known to the unknown, to explain intricate ideas. Upon completing my degree, I enrolled at Strathmore University to pursue accounting exams. It was during this time that one of my lecturers encouraged me to apply for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
With just days before the application deadline, I applied and was accepted, embarking on a challenging journey of balancing daytime MBA classes with evening accounting studies. This intense period left little room for a social life, but it allowed me to complete both qualifications simultaneously – a rare achievement in the early 1990s.
My professional journey began at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where I spent four transformative years honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience. It was here that I met my husband, and we have now been married for 28 years. After my time at PwC, I joined GlaxoWellcome as Deputy Chief Accountant.
I eventually rose to the position of Chief Accountant and later Financial Controller, following the merger that created GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In 2004, I became Finance Director while navigating the complexities of motherhood and leadership. This period was demanding, and it taught me the importance of structure and routines at home.
Looking back, I wish I had been kinder to myself during those years. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at GSK was mentoring my team members, many of whom have gone on to hold leadership positions. The current Finance Director at GSK was once a junior member of my team, and this legacy of mentorship is something I hold dear.
My responsibilities at GSK extended beyond Kenya, as I supported our business in Tanzania and later Southern Africa. I vividly remember the day of the United States (US) Embassy bombing in Nairobi – we were in the midst of implementing a new system and had to rush to the airport, uncertain if our flight would be cancelled.
In 2012, I made a significant career shift, moving from the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector to Nielsen, where I became Executive Director for Finance for Africa. This role allowed me to work across several markets, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It was here that I developed a passion for Big Data and focused on building team capabilities and refining processes. Three years later, I joined Kenya Breweries (KBL) as Finance Director, overseeing Kenya, the largest market within East African Breweries PLC (EABL) and Diageo Africa.
Over nearly five years, I played a pivotal role in growing the spirits business and overseeing the establishment of the Kisumu Factory, a key asset in the company’s portfolio. By the time I transitioned out of this role, the contribution of spirits to the business had more than doubled. In 2020, I became a Certified Executive Coach, a qualification that aligns with my passion for mentorship.
In 2021, I transitioned to a global role overseeing Europe and Africa, where I navigated the challenges of remote work and built relationships across continents. This experience broadened my perspective, exposing me to diverse boards and enhancing my commercial acumen. 18 months later, I returned to an FD role, this time supporting over 32 markets in Africa where Diageo does not have a physical presence. This role has deepened my appreciation for Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and untapped market potential. It has also allowed me to continue mentoring and developing my team, which brings me the greatest joy.
Recently, I reflected on my journey with a colleague and realised that five members of my team from 2016 to 2020 have now become Finance Directors themselves. This, for me, is the legacy I am most proud of, as it aligns with my purpose of growth for myself and others. Outside of work, I indulge in a variety of hobbies, from hiking and construction to bike riding, walking in Karura Forest, playing golf, and enjoying theatre and musicals.
My family – my husband Steve and our three children, two boys aged 25 and 24, and a girl aged 15 – often join me in these activities. My creative, left-handed side, often overshadowed by my day job, finds expression through these hobbies. I consider myself a ‘Serial FD’, having held several Finance Director roles throughout my career, and I continue to find joy in them. But above all, it is the success of those I have mentored that brings me the most satisfaction.
AUTHOR: KINYA KIMOTHO
EDITOR: HANS ARDEN
