Kenya Airways names Mbuvi Ngunze as new CEO

Mbuvi Ngunze and Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau.

Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Airways (KQ) board has appointed Mbuvi Ngunze as the firm's new managing director and chief executive. He replaces Titus Naikuni, who is slotted to retire at the end of November, this year. Before this appointment, Ngunze has been the chief operating officer at the airline.

In January this year, KQ board engaged the services of an international talent search firm Spencer Stuart Ltd to assist in the process of finding a replacement for Naikuni. "I am pleased that the board has reached a unanimous decision on this matter. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mbuvi Ngunze, who is the current chief operating officer, with effect from December 1, 2014, "said KQ Board Chairman Evanson Mwaniki.

Ngunze holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, accounting option from the University of Nairobi and has all along been a front runner in the race to succeed Naikuni. He is seen as an insider and a favourite choice of Naikuni as well as first choice of the Dutch shareholder KLM, which holds significant clout and influence on the KQ board.

He is a chartered accountant and also a graduate of the Harvard Business School of Management. Ngunze is expected to fill the shoes left behind by Naikuni who pushed for Boeing 787 Dreamliners.