#7
LINA GITHUKA
MANAGING DIRECTOR, KWAL
Moving the entire operations of a giant company with global ownership is a feat few can boast of achieving without facing significant hiccups. It is often described as “…trying to build a plane while flying it.” As it requires intricate planning, effective communication, and exceptional leadership to ensure a seamless transition, the odds of success are daunting. Yet, for leaders like Lina Githuka, Managing Director (MD) of Kenya Wine Agencies (KWAL), it was an opportunity to thrive. When asked about leading the massive relocation of KWAL’s manufacturing operations to the new ultra-modern plant in Tatu City, she simply said, “Growth is about embracing challenges, and KWAL is ready.” The successful completion of this monumental task is a testament to Lina’s vision and her thought leadership.
Since Lina took the helm as KWAL’s first female MD in 2018, she has steered the company through numerous transitions, with the relocation to Tatu City being a crowning achievement. This KES 5 billion investment now stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and local manufacturing excellence. Under Lina’s watch, the new facility reflects the company’s commitment to scaling up operations, localising production, and contributing to the regional East African market. As Lina points out, “Our ambition is to become a leading player in the region, and the Tatu City plant positions us perfectly to achieve that.”
One defining quality of Lina’s leadership is her ability to lead with empathy and develop her team, ensuring each employee thrives. During the celebration of International Women’s Day in 2024, Lina’s words captured her dedication: “We celebrate KWAL women, who represent 35 percent of our workforce. Our goal is 50 percent by 2025. I choose to enable KWAL women to discover their wings.” Beyond this, Lina is passionate about creating an environment where employees can grow, as reflected in KWAL’s revamped parental leave policy, which has since grown to include provisions for adoptive parents, surrogacy, and miscarriage leave. This human-centric approach has endeared her to her team, fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.
Under Lina’s guidance, KWAL’s operations have flourished. The company has expanded its reach through a robust value chain, creating over 400 jobs and engaging more than 500 suppliers.
Moving from strength to strength under Lina, KWAL marked another major milestone in October 2024 with the launch of Kibao Gin. Recognising the growing demand in Kenya’s vibrant gin market, Lina led the company in introducing this new product, crafted specifically for a younger, adventurous generation of consumers. Kibao Gin, a bold and juniper-forward drink, offers a unique and refreshing experience, reinforcing KWAL’s position as an innovative player in the local spirits industry. The gin taps into the strong brand recognition of Kibao Vodka, one of KWAL’s most successful products. Lina’s keen insight into market trends and consumer preferences has once again positioned KWAL as a leader in the local alcohol industry, with Kibao Gin poised to capture the hearts of Kenya’s socially connected and value-driven consumers.
Moreover, KWAL’s green agenda is in full force. The Tatu City plant was built with sustainability at its core, aiming to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on affordable energy and responsible consumption. This commitment is mirrored in the company’s partnerships, such as its involvement in conservation efforts like the Zambarau 50 Ladies Team’s participation in the 2024 Rhino Charge event to support environmental preservation in the Aberdare Forest.
KWAL is also deeply committed to social impact, a reflection of Lina’s own values. The company has invested KES 10 million in the INUA Program, which offers vocational training for underprivileged youth from informal settlements, equipping them with skills in the culinary arts. These initiatives, driven by Lina’s leadership, demonstrate that KWAL’s success is as much about community upliftment as it is about business growth.
Lina graduated from the University of Nairobi (UoN) with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology, before embarking on a career that saw her holding key roles in multinational companies. Her leadership prowess first emerged at Unilever Kenya, where she discovered her passion for brand management. She later moved on to British American Tobacco (BAT), holding senior positions across London, South Africa, and Uganda. Notably, she was the first local and first female Head of Marketing for BAT’s East and Central Africa region. Her global experience enriched her ability to navigate different cultural setups, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges of leading KWAL.
Since joining KWAL as a Commercial Consultant in 2016 and then as Commercial Director, Lina has been at the forefront of transforming the company. She helped re-engineer business processes, boost operational efficiencies, and enhance KWAL’s route-to-consumer model. Her leadership contributed to KWAL’s flagship brand, Kibao Vodka, being recognized as one of the Top 100 fastest-growing spirit brands globally in 2019. This success paved the way for Lina’s appointment as MD, where she has continued to push boundaries and deliver outstanding results.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Lina is passionate about mentoring young people. She is actively involved in the Greenhorn Mentorship Programme and the Global Give Back Circle, where she supports young women and final-year university students in their personal and professional growth. She is also a proud alumna of Precious Blood Riruta, where she serves on the alumni committee, running mentorship programs that inspire young girls to dream big.
Lina’s leadership philosophy is grounded in resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. She has attended executive leadership programs at prestigious institutions like the University of Stellenbosch Business School, reinforcing her ability to lead with foresight. Reflecting on her journey, Lina says, “Hard work may sound old school, but the wisdom in ‘hard work pays’ still holds true. I have had to unlearn, learn, and relearn at every stage of my career.”
In a world where business landscapes are constantly shifting, Lina Githuka exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, empathy, and vision.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
