This follows the airline company’s come-back as it reported a half-year profit for the first time in a decade.
National airline, Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced a series of strategic appointments and organizational changes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth.
The changes, which take effect on September 1, 2024, are designed to optimize the Company’s strategy and operations as it continues on its upward trajectory witnessed this year.
This follows the airline company’s comeback as it reported a half-year profit for the first time in a decade.
As part of these changes, Kenya Airways as of Friday, August 30 appointed Hellen Mwariri Mathuka, previously KQ’s Chief Finance Officer, as the new Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.
Portrait of Hellen Mwariri Mathuka, previously KQ’s Chief Finance Officer, appointed the new Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer on August 30, 2024. /HANDOUT
“Hellen, who joined the airline in 2009, has held various roles in audit, revenue management, and finance,” a press statement sent to Viral Tea reads in part.
“In her new position, she will oversee the organization’s strategic direction even as it continues to embark on its strategic turnaround plan Project Kifaru 2.0. strategy, innovation and sustainability, corporate communication, network planning, pricing and revenue management, and government affairs.”
To ensure business continuity, Mary Mwenga has been appointed Acting Chief Finance Officer. Mwenga brings over 20 years of experience in finance and previously served as Head of Business Performance & Reporting.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, commented on the promotions by stating, “By optimizing 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.”
Kilavuka reiterated 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.
For the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, KQ achieved a profit after tax of Ksh513 million, from the Ksh21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period. This was the first time the airline reported a profit after tax since 2013.
The airline attributed the growth to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru, which emphasises customer obsession, operational excellence, financial discipline, innovation, and sustainability.
Project Kifaru is Kenya Airways’ post-pandemic strategic recovery plan and is viewed as the antidote to KQ’s problems past and present and executable in two phases; the first focusing on the stabilization of the business, particularly after the COVID-19 turbulence and the second on sustainability and overall company growth.
