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PRISCILLA GATHUNGU
CEO, JAVA HOUSE AFRICA
Introducing Priscilla Gathungu, the trailblazing and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Java House Africa, a true representation of exemplary women leaders, whose pragmatic approach is paving the way for a brighter future in the hospitality industry. Appointed CEO towards the end of 2022, she is the first Kenyan female to hold this esteemed position, inspiring and empowering countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Priscilla attended Loreto Convent Msongari, where the seeds of her academic prowess were sown. Fueled by her desire for knowledge, she set sail abroad, gracing the halls of Concordia University-St Paul in the United States (US). Here, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organization Management and Leadership, laying the academic foundation for her future. Her passion for personal and professional development drove her to later obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialisation in Strategic Leadership from the same institution.
During her time in the US, her career spanned different sectors including Education, Healthcare and Retail with stints at Allina Health and Target.
Upon her return to Kenya, Ms Gathungu took up the role of HR Manager at MRM – Safal Group, where she specialised in talent optimisation. She soon after became the Head of HR for Anglophone Countries at MARA ISON Technologies during which she excelled at policy development, compensation analysis, and international recruitment. It is then that she made her move at Java House Africa joining as HR Director in 2014 being an important part of forming what is Java’s warm but high performing people culture.
Her commercial acumen earned her the position of Commercial Director at Foodscape, Java House Africa’s manufacturing arm, where she created a nimble highly productive unit resulting in product innovation, growth in retail share and supply chain efficiencies establishing Foodscape as a leading brand in the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering (HORECA) markets. It was no surprise then when she became CEO towards the end of 2022 leaving Foodscape as its Managing Director.
Now as CEO, Ms Gathungu provides leadership to the entire Java House Group including Planet Yoghurt, 360 degrees Pizza and Kukito. Under her exceptional leadership, the business has recorded its highest performance to date, as evidenced by the outstanding results at the end of the 2022/23 financial year. Her nearly ten-year experience in various roles at Java House Africa has undeniably contributed to her success in leading the company’s continued growth. “The beauty of my career at Java is that I have worked in virtually all areas of the company during my tenure,” she elaborated in a past interview with Africa Outlook magazine. “This has allowed me the privilege of not only understanding our business and brands, but also our people, who are the driving force behind Java.”
“I’d say our biggest aspiration is to build an agile, profitable business that engages responsibly with its community, is well known, respected and loved for its hospitality, while providing good coffee and an unrivalled customer experience. In short, to remain the undisputed market leader,” Ms Gathungu concludes in the interview.
Priscilla’s transformative leadership journey is shaped by significant beacons, including her parents, who granted her freedom to explore diverse paths. Witnessing the 1995 Beijing conference on gender equality during high school was a turning point, as she saw a rejection of traditional norms among leading women of that generation. Her father’s encouragement of reading newspapers fostered curiosity and a desire for knowledge. Education was crucial in shaping her identity and achievements. Her value for community and people have all been a source of inspiration making her a compassionate and visionary leader, leaving an indelible impact on others.
Java House Africa is a leading coffee brand in East Africa. It was established in 1999 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the goal of introducing a gourmet coffee culture to the nation. Java started as a coffee shop and later transformed into a casual dining concept with a focus on coffee. The brand has since expanded to 14 cities in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and has launched three sister brands: Planet Yoghurt, Kukito, and 360 Degrees Pizza.
Java’s manufacturing arm, Foodscape, produces its own coffee, bread, cakes, and marinated meats and vegetables. Additionally, Java serves corporate spaces and events through its business-to-business (B2B) segment. The company has a dedicated workforce of 2,100 employees and aims to share the Java experience with the world.
