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KANANU MITHIKA
FINANCE DIRECTOR EAST AFRICA – BRENNTAG KENYA
In global finance, professional growth is shaped by experiences that build resilience and sharpen problem-solving skills. Navigating diverse economic environments nurtures a human-centric leadership style, essential in today’s dynamic corporate world. This approach enhances empathy, bridges divides, and promotes a people-first mindset. Women, with their natural nurturing tendencies, are making a profound impact in boardrooms by blending human-centricity with precision. Kananu Mithika is a prime example, emerging as a powerhouse by combining professionalism with her unique leadership style.
As Finance Director for East Africa at Brenntag Kenya, Kananu Mithika stands as a beacon of transformative leadership. Brenntag, a global market leader in chemical distribution, operates in a high-stakes industry where precision and operational efficiency are crucial. Kananu, at the helm of financial oversight, is responsible for guiding the company’s financial strategy across three legal entities in East Africa, overseeing operations that generate over EUR 50 million in annual revenue. Her role additionally encompasses leading the post-merger integration process in the region, ensuring that every strategic initiative is executed seamlessly.
Kananu’s sharp financial acumen and operational oversight have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of Brenntag’s expansion in East Africa. She has successfully spearheaded the integration of local companies in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with the Brenntag Group, ensuring that the merger did not disrupt the operational flow or financial health of the organisation. Her expertise in financial strategy has not only supported Brenntag’s growth, but has also enabled the company to achieve high levels of operational efficiency, making her an indispensable part of the organisation’s leadership.
Before her impactful tenure at Brenntag, Kananu held key roles at prestigious companies both in Kenya and abroad. As CFO for Philips East Africa, she partnered with the General Manager to drive business growth and secure a controlled environment for financial reporting. Her strategic leadership led to the divestiture of Philips’ East Africa operations, separating them into two independent entities – a process she handled with precision and professionalism. At Philips EA, she also managed foreign exchange risk and helped recapitalise the organisation to support its medium-term business plans, further showcasing her prowess in managing high-stakes financial decisions.
Kananu’s experience extends to her time in the UK, where she held senior finance roles at industry giants such as Nomura International, Lloyds Banking Group, and Barclays Capital. At Nomura, she served as Vice President of Financial Planning and Strategy for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) IT, overseeing a budget exceeding USD 400 million. Her role required her to work closely with senior management, providing financial insights that shaped the company’s strategic direction. Her time at Lloyds Banking Group saw her lead the integration of IT Finance business units after the merger of Lloyds TSB and HBOS – a critical task that she executed flawlessly. At Barclays Capital, Kananu played a key role in delivering strategic investments, with individual project budgets ranging from GBP 200,000 to GBP 160 million.
Kananu holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A), along with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Finance from the University of Nairobi (UoN). She has certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) and a Diploma from the Academy of Executive Coaching (UK). These qualifications have provided her with a solid foundation in financial management and leadership, equipping her to navigate the complexities of modern finance with ease.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kananu is deeply invested in employee development and organisational health. She has led initiatives to improve employee engagement, driving significant gains in employee satisfaction and performance. At Lloyds Banking Group, she spearheaded a project that improved the Employee Satisfaction Index by 30 percent within two quarters for the IT Finance teams. Her leadership style emphasises coaching and development, ensuring that her teams are equipped with the skills and capabilities needed to excel. At Brenntag, she is instrumental in building succession plans, ensuring that the next generation of finance professionals is well-prepared to lead.
Two of Kananu Mithika’s key inspirations are Indra Nooyi and Seth Berkley. Nooyi’s leadership at PepsiCo, balancing corporate success with sustainability, and Berkley’s global impact in public health through Gavi, inspire Kananu’s own approach. She admires how both leaders combine business acumen with a purpose-driven focus, aligning closely with her belief in human-centric leadership at Brenntag Kenya.
