Kenya: Ken Gitonga appointed to lead Southern African markets for BAT

Ken Gitonga, the former Head of Commercial for East and Southern Africa at British American Tobacco, has assumed the position of General Manager for BAT Southern African Markets.

He takes over the role effective February 01, 2024.

The world’s largest tobacco processor by sales has recently undergone restructuring in its African business due to shifting consumer trends.

Last year, BAT expanded its Nairobi office to include operations in five Southern African markets as part of its global business transformation efforts.

The additional states included Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Despite his appointment to the role, the region continues to be overseen by the Nairobi office.

Gitonga is a seasoned professional who returned to BAT Kenya in April 2017 as National Sales Manager. In 2018, he embarked on an international assignment at the BAT Group office in London, UK.

While in the UK, he assumed the position of Trade Marketing Manager for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa region. Later, he transitioned to the role of International Brand Manager for the Modern Oral Nicotine portfolio.

In April 2021, he relocated to South Africa to serve as the Head of Activations for the East & Southern Africa Area. Shortly thereafter, in February 2022, he was appointed as the Head of Trade for East African Markets.

“Ken has transformed the Company’s route to consumer capabilities while maximising the revenue potential of the business, through robust people leadership,” the company said in statement.

He has served as the Head of Commercial for BAT East & Southern Africa, headquartered in Nairobi.