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ESTHER NGOMELI
FOUNDER AND CEO, ZENITH EAST AFRICA
A seasoned business innovator and adept practitioner, Esther Ngomeli stands at the helm of Zenith East Africa as its Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since June 2023.
Boasting an impressive track record spanning over 26 years, Esther is an award-winning marketing and communication strategic leader. Her global recognition is a testament to her invaluable contributions in crafting, positioning, and safeguarding the brands and reputations of organisations across various sectors, both at national and international levels.
Ms Ngomeli’s educational journey is marked by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the esteemed University of Leicester in the United Kingdom (UK).
In 1994, Esther embarked on her professional journey in software programming, taking her initial steps as a Programmer and Trainer with a computer software development and training company.
This experience set the stage for her impressive trajectory, as she subsequently co-founded Economic Intelligence (EI), a startup that pioneered strategic research and business information services. EI’s notable achievements included publishing Market Intelligence (MI) and organising the esteemed MI Banking Awards – a premier platform within the banking sector.
Ms Ngomeli’s career reached new heights with her role as Co-Founder and Director at Redhouse Group, a prominent multifunction integrated marketing and communication (IMC) agency renowned across East and Central Africa. Within the group, she assumed the roles of Group Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2017 to 2023, when she left to establish Zenith East Africa.
Her dynamic leadership not only fostered a robust partnership with the global marketing and communication network, but also elevated business advisory services and IMC practices. Under her guidance, Redhouse Group and its subsidiaries clinched prestigious awards, including the Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement (SABRE) recognition. Notably, the group was a standout performer, securing seven accolades in April 2022.
Esther’s distinguished career also encompassed her role as Founder and Managing Director of Media Edge Interactive – a flagship advertising agency within Redhouse Group. For an impressive 17-year tenure, she spearheaded strategic initiatives that propelled Media Edge Interactive into the ranks of the TOP 100 fastest-growing Medium Sized Companies in Kenya, a distinction acknowledged in the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) Business Daily TOP 100 Index.
Globally recognised for her contributions, Esther earned the rare distinction of being the second woman in sub-Saharan Africa to attain Fellow (FCIM) status from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK. This prestigious honour underscores her strategic leadership and indelible impact in steering the growth of influential brands within Kenya and beyond.
An advocate for change and a proponent of equality, Esther is a staunch supporter of executive coaching and mentoring, particularly for women aspiring to ascend to managerial and leadership roles within workplaces, markets, and communities.
Her guiding principles encompass a resolute focus on a clear vision, diligence, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and placing unwavering faith in God above all else.
Esther’s commitment to catalysing positive change is evident in her involvement in esteemed organisations. She serves as a Board Member of the SuperBrands Council (East Africa), renowned for impartial branding evaluation. Her affiliation with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Women Corporate Directors (WCD Kenya Chapter) highlights dedication to shaping the business landscape.
In the past, she has contributed insights to the Rotary Club of Nairobi North and served as a Board Member and Trustee of Palmhouse Foundation – transforming lives of economically challenged students. Esther has also served on the Board of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO), underscoring her commitment to empower Kenyan women and enhance food security through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Ms Ngomeli’s thought and visionary leadership is shaping Zenith East Africa into a dynamic IMC hub renowned for its steadfast commitment to people, practice, performance, planet, and impact.
Guided by a unique philosophy, Zenith East Africa strives to transform the IMC landscape by offering strategic solutions that prioritise human connections, business growth, stakeholder value, and sustainability. At its core, the company believes in the power of meaningful communication that extends beyond transactions. This ethos underscores its mission, showcasing how successful business outcomes can coexist harmoniously with environmental well-being, exemplifying a vision where prosperity and sustainability coalesce seamlessly.
