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KELLEN EILEEN KARIUKI, MBS
CHAIR STANDARD CHARTERED
Kellen Eileen Kariuki, serving as Chair of the Board at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya since 2021, strategically directs the bank towards heightened profitability and sustainable financing, aligning with contemporary business imperatives. Before taking on the Chair role, Kellen served as a Non-Executive Director on the bank’s Board from 2020.
With over 30 years of expertise in finance, strategy, leadership, governance, banking, international management, and analytical skills, Kellen brings a wealth of experience to her role. Emphasising thought leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, sustainability, and strategy, both locally and internationally, Kellen guides Standard Chartered to excel in its unwavering commitment to impactful ESG practices while achieving remarkable profitability.
Kellen has fostered robust connections between local and group Boards, facilitating regular engagements with majority shareholders’ representatives – a crucial aspect of governance for the multinational organisation. Her proactive involvement has been instrumental in spearheading key stakeholder engagement activities for the Bank, aligning with its vision to be a bank for the new economy, encompassing people, ideas, technology, and trade.
Noteworthy is Kellen’s active participation in significant initiatives, including flagging off the largest Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in the Bank’s history. She has also taken part in races for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) leading up to the main event.
Driven by a commitment to achieving results, Kellen consistently seeks new challenges, exemplified by her endeavours such as climbing mountains, including the formidable Mount Everest, and actively contributing to the bank’s dynamic and ambitious pursuits.
Notably, the bank posted an impressive 11.77 percent year-on-year (YOY) climb in profits after tax (PAT) to Ksh 9.74 billion in the nine months to September 2023, showcasing a harmonious balance between robust profitability and unwavering sustainability commitments. Kellen’s transformative influence is palpable, steering the bank toward a future where financial success aligns seamlessly with responsible and impactful business practices.
Kellen boasts an extensive history of board service, holding notable positions such as Chair of Citibank Tanzania and Chair of Citibank Kenya Provident Fund. Additionally, she served as a Director in Citibank Uganda, Director of Cititrust Kenya, and held Directorships at Resolution Health Insurance and the Kenya Roads Board (KRB). Her involvement as an elected Council Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) underscores her commitment to professional excellence.
Beyond her financial engagements, Kellen held a position on the International Amref Health Africa Board, where she chaired the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, showcasing her dedication to governance and accountability. Additionally, she served as a Member of the Amref Flying Doctors Board, further contributing to healthcare initiatives.
Kellen is a Founding Member of the Board of Advisors of Strathmore Business School (SBS). In this capacity, she plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the business school, leveraging her depth of knowledge to guide and advise on academic and administrative matters.
As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), a state corporation established under the National Treasury pursuant to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act. No. 40 of 2011, and the first of its kind in Africa, Kellen led the establishment of this groundbreaking public sector institution. Her responsibilities encompassed receiving, safeguarding, and reuniting unclaimed financial assets.
Guiding the strategic direction and operations, Kellen played a crucial role in structuring, formulating policies, implementing systems, and overseeing staff recruitment. During her tenure, unclaimed financial assets totaling Ksh 40 billion were reported, and she achieved a 100 percent success rate in reuniting valid claims with their rightful owners.
Kellen began her career at Citi, a leading global bank, where she held various roles such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Regional Head of Human Resources (HR), Senior Vice President, among others. In her 23 years at Citi, she developed strategic financial procedures, ensured accounting integrity, and provided independent strategic judgement to meet corporate objectives and comply with local and United States (US) regulatory requirements.
Currently, she serves as Managing Director (MD) of Feruzi Holdings, a consulting firm specialising in financial advisory, real estate, and agribusiness.
Kellen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Strategic Management from the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A). Furthering her education, she also obtained a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in International HR Management from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom (UK). Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Business and Management at Strathmore University. Professionally, Kellen is recognised as a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (FCPA).
In recognition of her exemplary services rendered to the country, Kellen was awarded with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) award by HE the President of Kenya in 2003.
