APA Apollo Appoints EABL’s Risper Ohaga as Group CEO

A leadership change is coming at APA Apollo Group, marking the end of one era and the start of another.

The insurance and financial services firm has announced that Risper Ohaga will take over as Group Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2026.

She will replace Ashok Shah, who has been at the helm since 2012 and has overseen more than a decade of growth and regional expansion.

Ohaga is currently serving as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at East African Breweries Limited (EABL). She will step down from that role on June 30, 2026, ahead of her move.

Her appointment comes at a time when the insurance sector in East Africa is undergoing rapid change, driven by technology, shifting customer needs and stronger regulation.

APA Apollo has, in recent years, strengthened its position in general insurance, life assurance and asset management, while also deepening partnerships with global investors.

Ohaga brings over two decades of experience in finance, audit and corporate leadership. Before joining EABL in 2020, she held senior finance roles at Barclays/Absa across Nairobi, Johannesburg and Lusaka. She began her career at KPMG East Africa, building a strong background in audit and financial management.

Speaking about her appointment, Ohaga said she is ready for the challenge ahead.

“I am excited to take on this new role at APA Apollo Group, where each day presents an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of our people across East Africa. Ashok has built an extraordinary legacy of leadership and innovation, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation,” she said.

She pointed to the group’s collaboration with its key equity partners, Hollard International and Swiss Re, as a major opportunity for future growth.

“I am particularly excited about the opportunities presented by the collaboration between APA Apollo and its key equity partners, Hollard International and Swiss Re, which will see us continue to drive innovation, offering market-leading solutions to our customers and enriching the experiences of our teams,” she added.

Ohaga said her focus will be on strengthening performance while maintaining service excellence.

“I am committed to working with our teams to continue to drive growth, enhance customer value, and to ensure APA continues to lead with excellence across East Africa.”

Her appointment signals continuity but also a fresh chapter, as APA Apollo positions itself for its next phase of growth in a competitive regional market.