#23
MARTIN OCHIEN’G
MD, SASINI PLC
Martin Ochien’g, Managing Director (MD) of Sasini PLC, owes his noteworthy ascension to a potent blend of diverse local and global experiences. His exceptional self-drive fuels his relentless pursuit of results, while his wealth of experience in navigating dynamic and competitive global industries allows him to exude strategic leadership, exceptional communication prowess, and outstanding organisational acumen. Martin’s steadfast dedication to excellence consistently propels him to thrive in various challenging settings.
Martin excelled at Moi University, Eldoret, earning a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. He strengthened his faith and values as an active member of the Catholic Students Association, and showcased his sports mastery by representing the university in Basketball, Football, Rugby, and Hockey.
Martin’s career journey began in 1995 as a Medical Sales Representative at 3M Health Care, Kenya, later taking on diverse leadership roles in General Management, Marketing and Sales.
He subsequently joined Pfizer Inc in 1997, where he served as General Manager (GM) for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare’s East Africa Region, encompassing Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Martin went on to spread his wings within the organisation, making significant contributions in various Marketing Management capacities, overseeing both Professional and Consumer Healthcare Divisions in South Africa. His expertise extended across several therapeutic categories, with regional responsibilities spanning sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East throughout his decade-long tenure.
While at Pfizer, Martin was inspired to delve into new frontiers in the world of business. He ventured to Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England, where he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialisation in Strategic Marketing Management.
In 2007, Martin joined KWV, a prominent South African wine and spirits producer, as the Head of Global Marketing for three years. He skillfully led aggressive growth plans for KWV’s key markets and brands, while shaping and implementing the overall business and corporate strategy. His adept management of innovation and new product development kept KWV at the forefront of cutting-edge principles and practices in Marketing and Business Management. Working closely with the Global Sales team at KWV International, he played a key role in achieving the set business goals and objectives for the entire global enterprise.
Thereafter, Martin took on the position of Marketing and Strategy Director at Tyco/ADT, an American company that provides various alarm monitoring services. He rose through the ranks to become MD of Tyco Commercial in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa in 2013. In this role, Martin prioritised organic growth and disciplined acquisitions, while implementing operational improvements and visionary leadership to achieve long-term growth goals.
Between 2015 to June 2017, he served as Chief Executive of GHM Group, a consultancy firm based in South Africa, where he drove growth and expansion, oversaw the leadership team, and cultivated crucial client relationships.
After nearly two decades abroad, Martin made a comeback to Kenya, assuming the position of MD at SGA Security – Security Group Africa. He actively shaped the company’s vision and strategic direction, ensuring alignment across all employees. Working closely with the Board, Martin established long-term business strategies to achieve the company’s objectives, and his leadership was instrumental in driving overall company performance, in line with the Board’s strategic vision.
In 2019, Martin joined Sasini. A product of his rich managerial background, his thought-leadership at the company encompasses diverse experiences in both local and international companies. Martin’s seasoned expertise is proving instrumental in guaranteeing the smooth and successful running of Sasini. Moreover, his inclusive leadership style has nurtured a dynamic corporate culture, motivating employees and ensuring a harmonious work environment. Through his visionary approach, he continues to steer Sasini towards new heights, aptly incorporating the ESG framework in the business strategy.
Sasini stands as East Africa’s largest agribusiness, propelled by the resolute aspiration to claim the coveted title of Africa’s leading agricultural enterprise. Focused on a diversified approach, the company’s activities encompass the cultivation, processing, marketing, and exportation of coffee, tea, macadamia nuts, and recently, avocados. Furthermore, Sasini employs its expertise to add value to related products, catering to the burgeoning demand within the local retail market.
Looking beyond regional borders, Sasini’s reach spans key destinations around the globe. From the Far East, it proudly ships its goods to markets in Japan and South Korea. Additionally, the company has successfully cultivated a robust presence in Europe, the United States of America (USA), the Middle East, Asia, and various African nations, including Egypt.
Dedicated to sustainability and actively advancing 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sasini stands firm in its unwavering commitment to providing top-quality agricultural products. While relentlessly pursuing growth, the company has set its sights on making a positive impact on the broader African continent.
