#4
SHEILA CHANGANGU
MARKETING DIRECTOR – VISA EA
“Marketing encompasses much more than merely selling a product; it involves capturing attention, forging connections, and ensuring brand memorability.” This perspective is closely aligned with the marketing philosophy of Sheila Changangu, an accomplished and results-oriented leader who has established a significant presence in the marketing industry.
Since November 2017, Sheila has been the Marketing Director for Visa East Africa (EA), managing marketing initiatives for the global payments technology company. Visa aims to connect the world through an innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, facilitating opportunities for individuals, businesses, and economies. Her role involves combining creativity, strategy, and purpose to promote financial inclusion and digital adoption.
Sheila’s impact in the marketing field has not gone unnoticed. As recently as 2022, she was named among the Top 25 Most Influential Women in Marketing by Business Monthly EA, the region’s premier business magazine, a recognition that underscores her ability to blend innovative marketing strategies with measurable business results. Her campaigns for Visa East Africa have consistently positioned the brand as a leader in promoting cashless transactions and financial inclusion across diverse markets, as the Visa brand continues to offer the backbone on which all reputable cards ride.
Before joining Visa EA, Sheila gained invaluable experience across multiple industries and geographies. She served as a Project Manager for British American Tobacco (BAT) in London, where she led the development and deployment of the company’s global brand-building model. Her expertise in brand management was further honed during her tenure as Head of Value Brands for BAT’s East and Central Africa area, where she oversaw the marketing strategies for 10 brands across six countries.
Her career sojourn includes her role as Marketing Director at SABMiller Kenya, where Sheila managed the marketing efforts for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Prior to that, she spent four years at East African Breweries (EABL), where she held progressive roles as Brand Manager and later Marketing Manager. Her marketing journey began at Mondelēz International, where she climbed through the ranks from Sales Representative to Assistant Brand Manager and later Brand Manager.
Sheila’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). She later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, Leadership, and Strategy, through a joint program with the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A) and Columbia Business School. Recognising the fast-paced evolution of marketing, Sheila furthered her education at Harvard Business School Executive Education, where she completed a program in Digital Marketing Strategy in 2020. Additionally, she completed the Amplify Leadership Program at University of California Berkeley and Visa University , Accelerated Leadership Development Program at GIBS Business School in 2013.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Sheila is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She is actively involved with Precious Sisters, a UK-registered charity dedicated to empowering and mentoring high school girls from underprivileged backgrounds in Kenya. Through this initiative, Sheila helps provide educational opportunities that give young women the tools to build better futures. She also participates in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting children living with disabilities.
When she isn’t crafting innovative marketing strategies or mentoring future leaders, Sheila enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is a wellness enthusiast who prioritises a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise. Her passion for culinary arts and global cuisines often leads her to experiment with new recipes in her kitchen or explore diverse culinary traditions during her travels.
In a world where marketing trends evolve at breakneck speed, Sheila Changangu stands out as a leader who not only stays ahead of the curve but inspires others to do the same. Her dedication to blending innovation with authenticity continues to make a significant impact in East Africa’s marketing landscape, firmly establishing her as one of the topmost impactful C-Suite executives in 2025.
AUTHOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
EDITOR: MARILENE MERCY
