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HELENA MZENA
CEO – JUBILEE LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF TANZANIA
Helena Mzena is a sterling example of transformative leadership in East Africa’s financial sector. Having ascended from the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jubilee Life Insurance Corporation of Tanzania, she embodies the rare combination of sharp financial acumen and transformative leadership that is essential for driving organisations toward sustainable success.
Helena’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and profound influence, making her a trailblazer for women in finance across the region.
Her rise began in 2011 when she was appointed Chief Accountant at Jubilee Insurance Company of Tanzania. Over a decade, Helena played a key role in reshaping the company’s financial operations, and contributed to strategic decision-making that led to significant growth.
One of her standout achievements during this time was spearheading the split of Jubilee’s general and life insurance segments in 2015, a complex project that positioned Jubilee Life Insurance as a distinct entity. This move required meticulous planning and execution, and Helena’s leadership ensured a smooth transition that solidified the company’s standing as a leader in the Tanzanian insurance market.
Helena’s efforts contributed to the company achieving a dominant position in the market, a feat underscored by her ability to build highly motivated teams across departments. She was known for fostering an environment that encouraged innovation and collaboration, a leadership style that earned her the respect of her peers and subordinates alike. This ability to inspire and lead with clarity and purpose set the stage for her transition to CEO in 2021.
As CEO, Helena took on the responsibility of driving the long-term strategy of Jubilee Life Insurance with a focus on creating exceptional value for shareholders. She quickly adapted to the broader challenges of managing an entire organisation, demonstrating an acute understanding of the complexities of the insurance business while maintaining a laser focus on growth and sustainability. Under her leadership, the company has continued to thrive, expanding its market share and solidifying its reputation for delivering quality services to its clients.
Concurrently, Helena serves as a Board Member for Citibank Tanzania, where she plays a critical role in providing oversight and strategic direction. Her contributions ensure that Citibank continues to meet its mission of delivering consistent and progressive financial services. Additionally, Helena holds the position of Vice President on the Governing Council of the Insurance Institute of Tanzania. Here, she helps shape the institution’s mission and vision, actively participating in defining the future of insurance education and standards in the country.
Helena’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication and expertise in leadership, finance, and insurance. She is currently pursuing the Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK). She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership from Uongozi Institute in Tanzania and an International Postgraduate Diploma in Life Insurance from the Institute of Insurance and Risk Management in India.
Furthermore, she completed the Senior Management Leadership Program at Strathmore University Business School. Helena earned her Master’s degree in Financial Management from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FACCA) accredited by Kaplan Financial (UK), as well as an Associate Certified Public Accountant (ACPA) in Tanzania. She began her academic pursuit with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Finance and Financial Information Systems from the University of Greenwich (UK).
Helena’s leadership style is informed by a combination of her extensive training and her innate ability to connect with people. She has completed a number of leadership programs, including the Senior Management Leadership Program at Strathmore University Business School in East Africa and the Female Future Leadership Certificate from the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI). These programs have helped refine her strategic thinking and interpersonal skills, enabling her to lead with both confidence and compassion.
Away from the demands of her career, Helena finds balance through a range of hobbies that speak to her values of community, creativity, and personal growth. She enjoys reading, writing articles, and volunteering in her community. Helena is also an avid traveller and loves exploring new cultures, gaining fresh insights along the way. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her love for cooking and gardening, activities that allow her to nurture and cultivate growth in both literal and figurative senses. Moreover, she enjoys playing board games such as Monopoly, a pastime that perhaps reflects her strategic mind and competitive edge.
Helena Mzena’s journey from CFO to CEO is a powerful narrative of hard work, dedication, and the courage to push boundaries. As she continues to grow in her career, she remains a beaming light of transformative leadership and a true inspiration for aspiring professionals across the region.
