Kenya Airways Makes Strategic Changes to Accelerate Recovery

Kenya’s national airline Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a series of strategic appointments and organisational changes aimed at “enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth.”

The changes, effective 1st September, 2024, are designed to optimise Kenya Airways strategy and operations as it continues its recovery trend gathers speeds.

As part of the new management changes, Kenya Airways has appointed Mrs Hellen Mwariri Mathuka, previously KQ’s Chief Finance Officer, as the new Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. Mrs Mathuka, who joined the airline in 2009, has held various roles in audit, revenue management, and finance.

In her new position, Mrs Mathuka will oversee the organisation’s strategic direction even as it continues to embark on its turnaround plan Project Kifaru 2.0. strategy, innovation and sustainability, corporate communication, network planning, pricing and revenue management, and government affairs.

Kenya Airways this year made a strong come-back reporting a half-year profit after tax of Ksh513 million, for the first time in a decade from the Ksh21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period.  The airline attributed the growth to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru, which emphasises customer obsession, operational excellence, financial discipline, innovation, and sustainability.

To ensure business continuity, Ms Mary Mwenga has been appointed Acting Chief Finance Officer. Mary brings over 20 years of experience in finance and previously served as Head of Business Performance & Reporting.

“By optimising our internal structures and focusing on strategic areas, Kenya Airways is now better equipped to respond to growing market demands, embrace new opportunities, and sustain our trajectory of growth,” said Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr Allan Kilavuka.

Mr Kilavuka said the airline’s renewed focus on financial restructuring, cost discipline, and operational efficiency provides a solid foundation for sustainable growth and continued success in the competitive aviation industry.

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