BAT Kenya Announces Leadership Changes as Sidney Wafula Named Managing Director

BAT Kenya has announced key changes to its executive leadership team as part of its long-term succession plan, appointing Sidney Wafula as Managing Director effective June 16, 2026.

Wafula succeeds Crispin Achola, who will transition from the role effective June 15, 2026, to pursue opportunities outside the BAT Group, bringing to a close a distinguished five-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm of the company.

Achola, who was appointed Managing Director on January 1, 2021, led the business through a period marked by significant market complexity, regulatory evolution, and strategic transformation. During his tenure, the company strengthened operational resilience, reinforced its export franchise, and advanced its strategic agenda to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

The company cited solid share price performance and a consistent dividend track record as indicators of disciplined execution and the positive impact of Achola’s leadership.

“It has been an honour to lead BAT Kenya and to work alongside a talented and dedicated team to deliver historical results,” Achola said. “I am proud of what we have achieved together — strengthening our fundamentals, delivering shareholder value, and positioning the business for continued success.”

Incoming Managing Director

Wafula currently serves as Finance Director for BAT Sub-Saharan Africa Area. He joined BAT Kenya in 2006 as Head of Audit and has since held several senior management roles within the BAT Group. His previous assignments include Head of Operations and Marketing Finance for BAT West Africa Area based in Lagos, Head of Finance for BAT Egypt in Cairo, Head of Finance for Southern Africa Markets based in Mozambique, Head of Finance for East and Central Africa, and Finance Director for BAT Kenya.

The company said his broad regional experience has equipped him with deep expertise in business strategy development, financial and operational performance enhancement, and leadership across diverse markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Finance Leadership Transition

In a related development, the Board announced the appointment of Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director effective April 1, 2026. She will succeed Philemon Kipkemoi, who will step down on March 31, 2026, to pursue career interests outside the company after a 19-year tenure.

Kipkemoi has served in multiple finance leadership roles across East and Southern Africa and has been Finance Director since 2020. The company credited him with driving strong financial performance, sustaining shareholder value growth, strengthening financial governance, and leading key strategic and transformational initiatives.

“It has been a privilege to serve this great organization, and I am proud that together we have consistently delivered shareholder value,” Kipkemoi said. “I leave behind an empowered organisation, ready to drive for greater success.”

Chepkong’a joined the BAT Group in 2012 and brings extensive multi-market finance leadership experience. She has held roles including Head of Finance and Non-Executive Director for Uganda, Finance Controller for East Africa Markets, Head of Finance for the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, and, most recently, Finance Controller for East and Southern Africa Markets. She also serves as a Trustee of the BAT Kenya Staff Provident Fund.

Board Statement

Commenting on the leadership changes, BAT Kenya Board Chair Rita Kavashe said the transitions reflect the company’s deliberate and structured succession planning.

“The Board thanks both Crispin and Philemon for their leadership, professionalism, and substantial contribution to the Company’s growth and transformation agenda,” Kavashe said. “These changes represent the Company’s long-term succession planning and are evidence of a strong talent pipeline within the organisation.”

She added that the Board looks forward to working closely with the incoming executives to continue driving transformation anchored on the company’s vision of delivering “A Better Tomorrow.”

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