James Mworia, Group CEO & Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Plc, Emerges as InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week

Dr. James Mworia, Group CEO and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Plc, has been honored as InstinctBusiness CEO of the Week. This accolade reflects his visionary leadership and the significant contributions he has made to both the company and the investment sector.

Mworia is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, accountant, and business executive, renowned for his transformative leadership in the East African investment landscape. Since 2008, he has served as the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Plc, East Africa’s largest listed investment firm, overseeing assets valued at approximately USD 1.8 billion. 

His career path is a testament to hard work and strategic thinking. Starting as a filing clerk at Centum in 2001, he demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and growth, leading to his rapid promotion to Chief Investment Officer by 2005. His elevation to Group CEO at just 30 years of age marked a pivotal moment not only for his career but for the entire organization, as his leadership has driven significant growth in Centum’s net asset value. 

Beyond his responsibilities at Centum, Dr. Mworia serves as Chairman of Sidian Bank Limited and Almasi Beverages Limited. His board memberships extend to Nairobi Bottlers Limited, Isuzu East Africa Limited, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Centum Exotics Limited, Investpool Holdings Limited, Centum Development Company Limited, and Two Rivers Lifestyle Centre Limited. In October 2016, he was appointed Chancellor of Machakos University, underscoring his commitment to education and leadership development. 

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and an Honorary Doctorate in Business from Machakos University. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter Holder, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, a Fellow of the Kenyan Institute of Management, and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).   With a foundation in law and finance, he has effectively leveraged his education and professional qualifications to rise through the ranks at Centum Investment Company Plc, establishing himself as a stalwart in the industry.

Dr. Mworia’s exemplary leadership has been acknowledged through numerous accolades:

                •              East Africa Business Leader of the Year 2015 at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards. 

                •              Africa Business Leader of the Year 2014 by the Corporate Council for Africa. 

                •              Africa Young Business Leader of the Year 2011 at the Africa Business Leaders Awards. 

                •              Nature’s Advocate Award from The Nature Conservancy, recognizing his commitment to conservation and climate action in Kenya.

                •              Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), a prestigious Kenyan state honor.

Additionally, he was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2016 and ranked among the Choiseul 100 African Leaders of Tomorrow in 2015. 

Dr. Mworia’s journey from an entry-level position to a leading figure in East African business exemplifies dedication, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

InstinctBusiness Magazine’s recognition celebrates top-performing executives globally, honoring exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact across diverse industries.