#12
BOARD CHAIR
ARISE BV
Philip Odera is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in banking across multiple African countries. He possesses profound leadership qualities that he brings to the boards he oversees. Having spent more than 15 years at both Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board levels, he stands as a distinguished figure in the industry.
Philip’s understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing listed companies, coupled with insights into their operational challenges, frustrations, and opportunities, sets him apart. Certified by the Institute of Directors (South Africa), his governance acumen aligns seamlessly with the King Code of Governance. Additionally, his strategic understanding of businesses across diverse African industries and sectors has been cultivated through decades of active engagement, establishing him as an influential leader and authority with an extensive network.
Currently serving as Chair of the Supervisory Board of Arise BV, a dedicated investor in financial institutions across Africa, Philip is committed to fostering financial inclusion. With a substantial collective investment portfolio exceeding $1.5 billion, Arise BV plays a crucial role in supporting various financial institutions throughout Africa.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Arise BV uniquely combines financial expertise with a commitment to African economic development, being collectively owned by Norfund, Norfinance, RaboBank, and Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden NV (FMO). Philip’s financial acumen takes centre stage as he guides the Arise BV Board, skillfully directing resources towards realising the firm’s objectives.
In addition to his role at Arise BV, he serves as Chair of the Board of Letshego Holdings, Africa’s leading payroll deduction lender. Operating in 11 African countries and listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, Letshego boasts a robust financial standing, with a balance sheet surpassing $1.3 billion as of 2021. Beyond financial metrics, Letshego stands out for its industry innovation, rapidly digitalising products and services under Philip’s guidance.
Further expanding his leadership influence, Philip serves as Chair of Liberty Kenya Holdings, a prominent entity publicly listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Solidifying its position as one of the largest insurance companies in Kenya and extending operations into Uganda and Tanzania, Liberty Kenya Holdings has received industry awards for excellence in product innovation and customer service delivery.
Owned by the Standard Bank Group, the largest financial services provider on the continent, it holds a significant place in the African financial landscape.
In his capacity as Advisory Board Chair of SNDBX | The Village Formula, Philip plays a pivotal role in steering sustainable growth. SNDBX serves as Africa’s premier consolidated and holistic solution tailored for the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. SNDBX, providing essential services across Financial, Operational, Digital, Legal, Marketing, Design, Coaching, and affiliated support to Kenya’s vibrant MSME sector, has successfully established crucial partnerships with multinational giants, such as Diageo, Unilever, BAT, Standard Bank, among others. This marks a substantial stride in empowering over 2,000 MSMEs in Kenya.
Philip also serves as Chair of the Supervisory Board of IMFact Kenya, a beacon of specialised financing services meticulously crafted for the MSME sector. Backed by Cardano Development from the Netherlands and Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) from the UK, IMFact specialises in factoring receivables, strategically liberating cash flows for MSME clients.
In the banking realm, Philip’s illustrious career at Stanbic Bank Africa stands as a testament to his remarkable leadership attributes. Serving as Deputy Managing Director (MD) for Tanzania showcased his strategic vision and operational acumen. His role as Country Chief Executive for four diverse markets – Malawi, Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya–highlights his adaptability, navigating and leading in various economic landscapes.
Before joining Stanbic, Philip held the position of Country Corporate Officer at Citibank in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), showcasing his international leadership experience.
Currently, as MD of Marr Consult, Philip provides specialised advisory services to sectors like health, energy, fintech, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in East Africa.
Additionally, he contributes as an Executive Partner at Titans D’Afrique, a consortium of regional leaders volunteering their skills to empower Africa’s emerging leaders. For instance, he collaborates with the government of Ethiopia to enhance the monetisation of coffee value chains and provides contract negotiation training for both the governments of Ethiopia and Kenya.
Furthermore, Philip is actively involved in diverse business advisory assignments within Kenya, contributing to the strategic growth and development of businesses in the region.
Philip’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Economics (BEcon) degree from St. Lawrence University, United States (US), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Suffolk University in Boston, US. He has further honed his leadership skills through courses at globally acclaimed institutions like Harvard, Duke, Cambridge Universities, and the London Business School (LBS). Known for his foresight and decision-making prowess, Philip consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, making him a respected, if not tall, figure in the realm of finance.
