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NJOKI KIMATHI
DEPUTY CFO – 4G CAPITAL
Experience is often the silent architect of resilience, sharpening expertise and forging adept professionals capable of navigating the complexities of their fields. In the world of finance, where precision and foresight are paramount, Njoki Kimathi, Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at 4G Capital, stands tall. With over 18 years of experience, Njoki’s journey through the financial sector is a testament to the power of persistence, skillful leadership, and a human-centric approach to business.
As Deputy CFO of 4G Capital, Njoki plays a pivotal role in steering the company towards its financial objectives. Her responsibilities extend beyond mere number crunching; she works closely with the CFO, providing crucial support in developing and implementing the company’s financial policies, procedures, and performance standards. Njoki’s influence is felt across the organisation as she manages financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management. Her oversight ensures that financial reporting and analysis are not just accurate but delivered in a timely manner, enabling informed decision-making at the highest levels.
Before taking up her current role, Njoki honed her skills and built her reputation at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals Kenya, where she served as Finance Director. Here, Njoki was the primary finance interface to the business, an integral member of the leadership team, and a trusted advisor in strategic decision-making. Her role involved more than just financial management; she was a key player in governance and compliance, talent management, and the simplification of business processes.
Njoki’s ability to embed a culture of cost consciousness among the Head of Departments led to significant reductions in expenses year on year. Her strategic insights and market knowledge enabled her to challenge commercial teams, resulting in sound business plans that delivered consistent revenue growth, high gross profit margins, and strong operating profits.
One of Njoki’s most notable achievements at GSK was her leadership during the company’s shutdown in Kenya. It was a period fraught with challenges, yet Njoki managed the ramp-down activities with pragmatism and sensitivity. She was instrumental in engaging with employees during the communication of the business decision and throughout the exit period, demonstrating her human-centric leadership qualities.
Her ability to implement a new Corporate Enterprise Resource Planning (CERP) system virtually, across different time zones during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to her project management skills and her commitment to operational excellence. The seamless execution of this project ensured that the system was up and running as expected, producing real-time financial reports from day one.
Njoki’s career at GSK is also marked by her role in the entity split between GSK and Haleon. She successfully managed the finance function split, identifying and placing the right talent to support the two new organisations that emerged from the division.
Her leadership was again called upon when GSK decided to trim its operations and reduce staff in Kenya. Njoki led the Kenya market through this transition, making critical decisions that balanced business needs with the well-being of employees.
Njoki’s tenure at GSK was a period of growth and learning. She began her journey with the company in 2005 as an Accounts Payables Accountant, steadily climbing the corporate ladder through various roles such as Senior Accountant, Commercial Finance Partner, Corporate Controller, and In-Country Shared Services Lead. Each position added layers to her expertise, from financial reporting and internal controls to project management and stakeholder engagement. It was here that Njoki cut her teeth, learning the intricacies of financial management and developing the skills that would later define her career.
Njoki holds a degree in International Business Administration (IBA) with a Finance option from the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A). Her academic credentials are complemented by her professional qualifications as an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) member, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in her field.
Outside of her thriving career, Njoki is a devoted wife and proud mother of three. “My family is my anchor,” she shares with a warm smile, emphasising the central role they play in her life.
Njoki Kimathi stands out as an exemplary leader in finance, whose journey from an entry-level accountant to the Deputy CFO of 4G Capital is a story of resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, coupled with her human-centric approach, makes her a true asset to any organisation.
