The Standard Group PLC has announced the appointment of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2024.
This significant leadership change brings a seasoned executive with an impressive 26-year career spanning both local and international arenas.
Gathoga-Mwangi’s illustrious career includes pivotal executive roles at The Linde Group PLC companies, such as African Oxygen Pty (AFROX) and BOC Kenya PLC. Her notable contributions include enhancing access to medical gases across Africa and managing bulk and onsite manufacturing operations in South Africa.
Taking the helm from interim CEO Joe Munene, who has held the position since July 6, 2023, Gathoga-Mwangi steps into her new role with an extensive background in Commercial, Operations Excellence, and General Management across multiple sectors. Her appointment is expected to drive forward The Standard Group’s strategic objectives and growth initiatives.
Before joining The Standard Group, Gathoga-Mwangi held several key positions at The Linde Group PLC, a leading global industrial gases and engineering solutions company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Her roles included Healthcare Director, Business Unit Director for Bulk and Onsite Manufacturing in South Africa, and Managing Director of BOC Kenya PLC.
Her experience extends beyond The Linde Group, having served as Country Director at Cadbury Kenya and East Africa Limited, General Manager at Unga Limited Plc (Seaboard Corporation), and Country Director at Parmalat Botswana Pty in Gaborone, Botswana. Gathoga-Mwangi also had a distinguished tenure with Bayer East Africa.
In addition to her executive roles, Gathoga-Mwangi contributes to the corporate world as a Non-Executive Director at BAT Kenya PLC, BOC Kenya PLC, and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree in International Business Administration from the United States International University (USIU) Kenya, and she is a recognized practitioner of Continuous Improvement (Kaizen), a methodology she has effectively utilized in corporate turnarounds.
Gathoga-Mwangi also serves as a part-time Academic Director of the Women in Leadership programme at Strathmore Business School (SBS), where she mentors the next generation of leaders.
Her leadership prowess is further evidenced by her role as Vice Chair of Women in Manufacturing (WIM) in Kenya and her memberships in Women Corporate Directors (WCD), Women on Boards Network (WoBN), and the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IODSA).
Dr. Julius Kipngetich, Chairman of the Board at The Standard Group, expressed his confidence in Gathoga-Mwangi’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Marion Gathoga-Mwangi as our new Group CEO. Her vast experience and proven track record in various leadership roles make her the ideal candidate to steer our company towards new heights. Her expertise will be instrumental as we navigate the evolving media landscape.”
Gathoga-Mwangi’s involvement extends to philanthropic endeavors, being a long-serving director of The Palmhouse Foundation, and she continues to influence various sectors through her board memberships.
The Standard Group’s strategic move to appoint Gathoga-Mwangi underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging her extensive experience and dynamic leadership. Her proven ability to lead complex organisations and drive operational excellence positions her as a valuable asset in guiding The Standard Group through future challenges and opportunities.
As the media industry continues to evolve, Gathoga-Mwangi’s leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in the company’s adaptation and growth, ensuring The Standard Group remains at the forefront of delivering quality journalism and innovative media solutions.
