#9
JANE KARUKU
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO, EABL
Experience is, indeed, one of life’s greatest teachers, and Jane Karuku embodies this truth through her impressive journey.
With over 28 years of diverse leadership roles across various sectors, Jane has proven that accumulating knowledge across dynamic corporate environments can result in visionary leadership. From her initial steps in the corporate world to becoming the first female Group Managing Director (GMD) and CEO of East African Breweries PLC (EABL), Jane’s trajectory is marked by resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jane’s leadership of EABL in 2024 was marked by a series of successes that showcased the company’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Reflecting on the year, Jane noted, “The year has been characterised by both triumphs and trials, each contributing to our growth and learning as an organisation.”
Under her stewardship, EABL achieved remarkable financial results for the fiscal year 2023/24, reporting a 10 percent increase in net sales and an impressive 13 percent rise in operating profit before the impact of foreign exchange. These achievements were driven by a strategic focus on premium and value segments, with Kenya – accounting for 65 percent of EABL’s operations – leading the way with a 15 percent growth. This robust performance was complemented by positive recovery trends in Tanzania and Uganda, underscoring the company’s agility in navigating complex market dynamics.
Despite broader economic pressures, including rising living costs that affected consumer behaviour, Jane and her team strategically focused on the growth of premium and value offerings, a shift she described as reflecting an “hourglass effect” in market demand. Jane’s foresight and adaptability allowed EABL to not only maintain profitability but also strengthen its market leadership amidst challenges like supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, and exchange rate volatility.
With Jane at the helm, EABL has continued its journey towards becoming a true total beverage alcohol (TBA) player, consistently investing in its brands and portfolio. A major highlight was the commissioning of EABL’s microbrewery, which in addition to expanding the company’s innovation capabilities, also positioned EABL to meet evolving consumer preferences with agility. Additionally, Jane prioritised expanding EABL’s route-to-consumer through innovative e-commerce platforms, such as Ke.TheBar.com, which promises delivery within 20 minutes, reflecting the company’s commitment to digital transformation.
Another feather in Jane’s cap is her relentless focus on business sustainability under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. As a champion of EABL’s ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ initiative, she has made significant strides in areas such as water stress, carbon emissions, and community empowerment. “I am proud that we are thought leaders in influencing the total ecosystem towards advancing the ESG agenda,” she stated during the release of the EABL 2024 Annual Report, reinforcing her vision for a future-driven, sustainable company.
Jane’s professional ascent began with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi (UoN), where she developed a strong foundation in leadership and strategic thinking. She later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Marketing from the National University in California, USA, a move that further honed her skills in business management and set the stage for her future successes.
She began at Cadbury Schweppes East and Central Africa, where she held various roles, eventually rising to MD. Her tenure at Cadbury was marked by transformative initiatives that propelled the company to new heights. She later joined Telkom Kenya as Deputy CEO, where she implemented ground-breaking projects that revolutionised Kenya’s telecommunications sector.
In 2014, Jane joined EABL’s board, where her leadership prowess was quickly recognized. Her stint as MD of Kenya Breweries (KBL) spanned six years, culminating in her appointment as EABL’s GMD and CEO.
Jane is passionate about empowering young women, especially in education. As a Trustee of Precious Sisters, a charitable organisation that supports underprivileged girls with access to quality education, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Jane serves on various boards, further expanding her influence across industries. One notable role is her 11-year tenure as a Non-Executive Director at Barclays Bank Kenya (now Absa Bank Kenya). In July 2024, Jane was appointed Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), a testament to her leadership standing in the business community.
Despite her demanding corporate responsibilities, Jane understands the importance of balance. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing golf and participating in networking events, which allow her to relax and build meaningful connections. Jane’s love for sports is reflective of her leadership style – strategic, competitive, and focused on continuous improvement.
As Jane looks to the future, her focus remains on driving top-line growth, expanding margins, and fostering a culture of innovation at EABL. Her leadership is defined by a deep commitment to her people, evident in her emphasis on employee engagement and the company’s recognition as a net exporter of talent across Africa. Jane’s belief in empowering her team is central to her leadership philosophy.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
