#9
JACQUELINE WANYAMA
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES PLC (EABL)
From a distance, Jacqueline Wanyama’s story reads like a classic career ascent, academic excellence, a rich international résumé, and leadership at one of East Africa’s most iconic companies. However, to stop there would be to miss the essence of what makes Jacqueline truly extraordinary.
Rooted in values etched into her from her formative years, “All for the greater glory” from Loreto and “In work and in truth” from Kianda School, Jacqueline was raised to serve with purpose, live with integrity, and lead with heart. These early ideals didn’t just shape her character; they became the compass for her entire life and career.
Today, as the Group Human Resources Director at East African Breweries PLC, Jacqueline stands at the intersection of business strategy and human potential. She is a trusted advisor and transformation catalyst and a bold architect of high-performance culture. Her leadership style is marked by quiet confidence, thoughtful candour, and an unwavering belief in people. Rather than seeking the spotlight, she lets her work and impact speak for her.
From British American Tobacco to Standard Chartered Bank, Colgate Palmolive to Lafarge and onward to Safal Group, Jacqueline has carved out a global footprint. In every chapter, she has been a culture shaper, talent builder, and advocate for people-led growth. At Safal, she spanned 10 countries, developing future leaders and navigating organizational change with a rare blend of empathy and strategic foresight.
What makes Jacqueline’s journey uniquely inspiring is her deep sense of gratitude and stewardship. She credits her mentors, who saw promise before she could fully articulate it, for planting the seeds of her confidence. She now pays that investment forward by lifting others, mentoring generously, and pushing for a more inclusive, future-ready HR function. She is equally grateful to her family and friends, whose unwavering support has cheered her on and carried her through pivotal moments.
Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), with a concentration on Leadership and Organisational Change, to complement her MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degrees, Jacqueline is the embodiment of lifelong learning. Her curiosity extends beyond formal education. She finds wisdom in conversations, books, failure, and cherishes the time spent with family, friends and nourishing her spirit.
Despite her accolades and achievements, Jacqueline remains grounded. She believes she is a work in progress; a leader committed to learning, evolving, and enabling others to thrive. With every role, every challenge, and every choice, she’s redefining what people leadership looks like in Africa: deeply human, fiercely strategic, and anchored in purpose.
