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MICHAEL JOSEPH, EBS
CHAIR KENYA AIRWAYS PLC
Michael Joseph, prominent South African business mogul, serves as Chair of the Kenya Airways (KQ) Board, a post he has held since October 2016.
Founded in 1977 following the discontinuation of East African Airways, KQ is the national carrier of Kenya, facilitating domestic, regional, and international flights.
Under the adept and proven chairmanship of Michael, KQ has embarked boldly on a transformative journey with the explicit goal of reclaiming profitability, rebounding from a significant downturn exacerbated by the harsh global economic climate and the pervasive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The initial outcomes of this strategic trajectory are now manifesting tangible results.
KQ’s recent financial success, as announced in the 2023 Half Year results briefing, signals an impressive shift toward recovery, with an operating profit of KES 998 million. This achievement is attributed to a series of strategic initiatives focused on improving the overall customer experience, achieving operational excellence, and ensuring prudent cash management. Navigating the challenges of the aviation industry, KQ is capitalising on opportunities in cargo charters and intensified scheduled operations.
A key driver of this recovery is the impressive growth in the cabin factor, reaching 76.1 percent, alongside a substantial 43 percent surge in passenger numbers, totaling 2.3 million. The airline’s revenue witnessed an upswing, reaching KES 75 billion – an impressive 56 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Michael credits these accomplishments to strategic partnerships with other airlines, lease rental renegotiations, and comprehensive cost-reduction measures. He vehemently expressed his optimism during an investor briefing, emphasising that these exceptional figures underscore KQ’s outstanding performance and offer encouraging indications that ongoing recovery and turnaround initiatives are yielding positive results. The rebooted success of KQ highlights the effectiveness of Michael’s chairmanship and the transformational and collaborative efforts of the executive management team led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka.
Michael’s illustrious career in Kenya, marked by exceptional visionary leadership, started at Safaricom PLC where he served for 23 years. Serving as the founding CEO, he played a pivotal role in propelling Safaricom from a modest subscriber base of under 18,000 in 2000 to a staggering 17 million subscribers by his retirement in November 2010. This booming growth established Safaricom as the most successful company in East Africa. His decade-long tenure was characterised by the launch of numerous innovative products and services, with his most notable achievement being the highly successful introduction and phenomenal growth of the globally acknowledged M-PESA and its related services. Notably, Michael served as the CEO twice; he later served as acting CEO from July 2019 to March 2020.
Beyond his CEO role, he chaired the Safaricom PLC board from August 2020 to 2023. Additionally, he assumed leadership positions as Chair of the M-PESA Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation Academy, emphasising his commitment to philanthropy and education. Internationally, Michael extended his influence as Vodafone’s Director of Mobile Money, contributing to the strategic growth and development of the highly successful M-PESA proposition across the Vodafone footprint. His enduring legacy lies in Safaricom’s unprecedented growth and innovation during his tenure, solidifying his reputation as a transformative leader in the telco industry.
Born in 1946 in South Africa, Michael’s life journey has been moulded by a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. His pursuit of education led him through various technical colleges, culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cape Town University. Additionally, he fulfilled the mandatory military service.
Seeking opportunities beyond the confines of apartheid-era South Africa and post-divorce from his first wife, Michael ventured to the United States (US) in the 1980s to secure a better future for his two daughters.
Facing challenges and enduring a failed business venture, Michael transitioned to the telecommunications industry. Despite lacking prior experience, he secured a position through a newspaper advertisement and later relocated to Kenya as a Vodafone employee. Alongside five Vodafone colleagues, he spearheaded the launch of Safaricom in an apartment at Norfolk Towers, Nairobi – a decision that would go on to make history.
In his personal life, despite experiencing three divorces, Michael expresses no regrets, acknowledging that each separation had its reasons. Embracing life to the fullest, he finds joy in the diversity of his experiences. His current marriage has blessed him with a third daughter, and he also cherishes the role of a grandfather, as one of his older daughters welcomed a baby into the family.
In his leisure moments, Michael finds solace in the tranquillity of home, where he immerses himself in his love for reading. Although not an avid sports enthusiast, he harbours an interest in Formula One, deeming himself a fervent fan of the sport. Beyond these leisurely pursuits, Michael indulges in the pleasures of savouring a glass of fine wine.
Environmental and wildlife conservation hold a special place in Michael’s heart, evident in his active role as Chairman of the Lewa Conservancy. He also holds several key board positions.
Recognised for his exceptional contributions, Michael has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious CEO of the Year award from the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), as well as the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) honour, bestowed upon him by the President of Kenya in acknowledgment of his outstanding service to the country.
Michael Joseph’s story serves as an inspiring narrative of exceptional leadership, embodying qualities of resilience, adaptability, and the remarkable ability to discover success and happiness in unexpected corners.
