2021
Maxwell Ngari
Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Kenya
Maxwell Ngari
Max Ngari comes from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya; Yeah, that country where some of the world’s greatest marathoners come from. In a country, abundant of runners, Max’s sprints in his career have been nothing but award worthy. Grand Clio and 2 Gold Clio winner, 4x Cannes Lions Winner, Grand Prix Dubai Lynx, Gold Loeries, 3 Grand Prix, 12 Gold and 2X Agency of the year at APA/Loeries Awards, among others. Ranked as one of the most awarded creatives in Sub Saharan Africa, he has served in a number of Juries in the region and Internationally; APA Awards, The Loeries, AdStars and One Show Young Guns. Currently sits on the Loeries Africa Committee as the Regional Representative. Max brings with him over 10 years experience in the creative industry having worked as a creative lead, for large and multinational brands in the Telco, FMCG, Software, Financial Services, Business solutions and Mobile technology spaces, just to name a few. His career has seen him work in many markets in Africa and Europe, expanding his exposure and strengthening the potency with which he develops creative solutions.
Alex Masika
Lead Business Development - Africa, Atlas AI
Alex Masika
Caroline Mbarire
Digital Marketing Lecturer, Simon Page Institute
Caroline Mbarire
Caroline Mbarire is a Mentor, Mentee, Digital Media Prodigy, Lecturer and Lead.
As an Assistant Digital Marketing Manager at Kenya Tourism Board (MagicalKenya), she has been part and parcel of the logo rebranding team and offered full and seamless support on the MagicalKenya Social Handles. She also extended her digital expertise during the premiere of The Lion King in Europe which gave the MagicalKenya global stage visibility and talkability on Social Media worldwide. She has also helped in the strategy and annual work plan formulation which will guide the Financial Year 2019-2020 for the Digital Division Department.
She has also spearheaded Digital Marketing fundamentals and always on Paid Google Search digital-focused training across the Kenya Tourism Board organization, which has been in line with digital transformation core KTB objectives of transforming the destination marketing organization to a digital and data-driven destination marketing organization.
Also currently, Caroline offers part-time digital marketing coaching/tutoring covering Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) courses virtually during COVID-19 pandemic namely Social Media Marketing, YouTube and Display Advertising, Paid Search (PPC) with Google Ads at Simon Page College of Marketing stationed in Nairobi CBD as from the year 2020 ongoing till to date.
Previously as a Digital Media Lead at Publicis Worldwide/Publicis Groupe (Access Leo Burnett Kenya) and WPP-Scangroup, she has worked with a vast, diversified brand portfolio: Local and Diaspora brands such as Facebook, Unilever Kenya, Unilever Southern and Central African Markets (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, and Ethiopia), Coca-Cola Sub-Saharan Africa, BBC Africa, WWF Zambia, Gertrude's Children Hospital, MRP Kenya, Visa Kenya, NESCAFÉ 'Kenya, Duracell Kenya, MERCK (Seven Seas Kenya ), Airtel Kenya, Airtel Zambia, Airtel Ghana, Ecobank Kenya, World Vision Kenya, Coca-Cola, CBA Africa, Diamond Trust Bank, Canon Kenya, Toyota Zambia, Creambell Zambia, Mosi Lager Zambia, Barclays Bank of Zambia, Barclays Bank of Ghana, Castle Lager Zambia, Castle Lite Zambia, Tata Magadi Chemicals Limited Kenya etcetera.
She attained a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce from Strathmore University, Double Major in Marketing and Business Administration specializations. She also has high-level professional certificates in Strategy and Insight Generation from Group-M Africa an affiliate of WPP-Scangroup, Google Adwords Certification from iLab Africa based at Strathmore University, Google Analytics Certified, Facebook Blueprint certified by Facebook Blueprint.
Caroline Mbarire has been enlisted as one of the top 25 women in Digital 2018 in Kenya.
She is a Facebook Blueprint Agency Ambassador and an iHub Member.
Her work experience has contributed to bagging awards at Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK )for Lifebuoy Kenya year 2017 and Airtel Kenya year 2016. Also bagged awards at South Africa New Generation awards for Blue band Kenya year 2017.
She continues to extend her digital prowess and knowledge in form of digital marketing focused workshops i.e at Konnect Hub a unique community experience with the goal of empowering young freelancers, creatives and artists in Africa by providing working, training and entertainment all in one space.
She has done a faculty guest lecturing at Strathmore University, May 2017 as an Alumni of Strathmore University First-class Cohort of AdWords Advertising for the year 2014.
She has also done Faculty Guest Lecturing at ADMI, August 2017.
She has been a Digital Marketing Faculty Lecturer at ADMI since January 2018 till the end of 2019 which has impacted and resulted in successful Professional Digital Marketing Course graduation of over 100 students graduated.
She has also participated in the first Start-up Women Kenya weekend edition and her team were the winners out of the shortlisted five teams with the start-up concept of building a revolutionary mobile application.
Caroline is very passionate about digital media, creating social impact, and believes her purpose mantra is simply to create a positive difference and leave this world better than she found it.
Carol Wachira – Wanyama
Marketing Director, Royal Media Services Limited
Carol Wachira – Wanyama
A nominee of the prestigious Business Daily Award for the 'Top 40 under 40' women in Kenya-2016, Carol is Royal Media Services’ Group Marketing Director. "It is a great honor to be entrusted with the building of the top media brands in Kenya and East Africa today", she says.
Carol has gathered a wealth of experience and valuable skills over the years, cutting across TV Content Strategy, Product Development, Brand Management, Sales and Marketing and lately Digital Championship for the media house.
At Royal Media Services, her scope of responsibility includes Foreign Content Strategy and Management for the television stations, Business Development, and Marketing function for the Group and the strategic leadership on the delivery of the group’s digital agenda.
David Jessop
MD, Squad Africa
David Jessop
I have over 20 years of experience in the Ad industry with a strong pedigree in delivering digital creative solutions and technology platforms for clients. My career in this industry began during the dotcom boom when I helped build a start-up of 4 people into a regional digital creative agency. Since then, I’ve transformed agencies into growing, profitable, award-winning industry leaders and I promote a working culture that encourages equality, diversity and demands innovation.
Before coming to Kenya to work with Squad and WPP-Scangroup, I enjoyed a 10-year journey of success within the Dentsu Group in the Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong, where I joined as a Business Director and departed as CEO. I led Isobar and Dentsu Group Creative/Experience agencies and helped to established the Group as the most awarded and recognised network in the market. Having worked on a diverse portfolio of brands across many industries and categories in multiple markets, I’ve been fortunate to work all over the world and with some of the brightest minds in the industry. I’ve also sat on awards juries and chaired the Digital Committee of the Hong Kong 4As working to improve industry best practice and develop opportunities for young talent. It’s an absolute pleasure to now be working in Kenya with Squad and WPP-Scangroup across Sub-Saharan Africa, and I look forward to helping our clients thrive in the new digital economy.
Fred Indimuli
News Anchor, KBC
Fred Indimuli
Fred Indimuli is a journalist with more than 17 years’ experience in Kenyan media. He has served in various roles including as News anchor for both radio and TV, news reporter, news editor and newspaper columnist. Fred is a creative writer as well as a team leader in content generation and communication management. He is also an actor and film producer. Fred currently works as a news anchor with the state broadcaster KBC where he hosts the Friday prime time news bulletin.
Gil Kemami
MD, BBDO
Gil Kemami
Gil looks after some of the most prolific global, regional and Kenyan brands some of which include, Visa, Diageo`s Tusker family, Guinness, Bamburi Cement, Wrigley and Britam just to mention a few.
With over 21 years of working experience he has previously worked with leading Pan-African communication agencies; FCB Advertising (SA), Ogilvy & Mather (Kenya and Ghana) and Exp Marketing (Nigeria).
Gil is the current seating chair of the Association of Practitioners in Advertising (APA) in Kenya. He is an EXCO member of the Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) in the capacity of Publicity Secretary, and a consulting Advisor with the International School of Advertising (Kenya). He serves as a Non-Executive Director at e-Novate (a digital marketing operation) in Rwanda, and a Non-Executive Director of ZIN (a roofing manufacturing company in Cameroon).
Gil holds various qualifications and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Strathmore / IESE Business School (Barcelona), Diplomas from Vega the Brand Communication School in Johannesburg and training certificates in Managing Managers for Results and Leadership from AMSCO and GIBBS.
Joy Ruth Wahome
Business Unit Head, Belva Digital
Joy Ruth Wahome
A Digital Advertising specialist with over 7 years experience in business client and project management, digital marketing and traditional marketing. Over the last 7 years, I have had the opportunity to work on some of the leading and most exciting brands in the FMCG sector, Banking sector and the NGO industry in Africa. Eg; EABL, Pernod Ricard, Co-operative Bank, KPMG, among others.
My drive lies in problem-solving, substantial growth, team mentorship and working in digital marketing offers a great deal of this. Identifying the true challenge is at the heart of effective digital marketing; a data-driven people-first approach ensures incremental growth within a brand.
My current role as a Business Unit Head at Belva Digital Limited consists of overseeing key business functions such as commercial, strategy & innovation, creative design, media and technology. This has given me the opportunity to build and support collaborative teams that meet different brand and business challenges that clients have. I hold a Bachelor of Arts’ Degree in Journalism and Mass Comm.
Kevin Theuri
Account Manager, Mkubwa Media
Kevin Theuri
Account Manager at Kijizi Limited, an independent creative agency based in Nairobi, Kenya that deals in; video, audio, and video production; intellectual property consulting, branding and printing services.
I have worked as an Account Manager before for two other agencies namely, OCD Creative and Mkubwa Media. I have a passion for Digital Marketing and currently pursuing Integrated Brand Communication courses at the International School of Advertising.
Manish Sardana
Founder & CEO, Craydel
Manish Sardana
Manish is an entrepreneur with a passion for build platforms that drive social impact. His latest venture, Craydel (craydel.com) is on a mission to democratise access to quality higher education in Sub Saharan Africa. Before starting Craydel, Manish has worked as the Managing Director of Squad Africa (part of WPP-Scangroup) where he founded two businesses – Goby E-commerce platform and Optimus Marketing Automation platform both of which are being used by top enterprises across Africa. He also served as Head for GroupM digital Africa at WPP-Scangroup. Manish is a published author, a runner and loves to play tennis and support Liverpool FC.
Maureen H. Mwangi
Audit Partner, Ernest & Martin Associates
Maureen H. Mwangi
Maureen holds a Bachelors of Commerce from Catholic University of Eastern Africa. She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya and a member of ICPAK, with 14 years’ work experience.
She is a seasoned Accountant and Banker with experience in banking, accounting, auditing and business advisory. Prior to joining Ernest & Martin Associates, she held various positions of increasing responsibilities in the banking industry.
She is an expert in financial reporting, auditing, management accounting, credit and business Analysis.
She is currently an Audit Partner at Ernest and Martin Associates, a firm of Certified Public Accountants, leading of team of 30 staff.
She has offered support to the selection of honorees of the Digital Media Awards.
Mike Otieno
VP, Strategy & Partnerships Co-founder, Wowzi
Mike Otieno
Mike Otieno – Co-founder at Wowzi has a background in strategy consulting and has worked with McKinsey and Company and the Palladium Group.
He is also the consular of Internations Nairobi Professional Networking group that brings together 1299 members from 106 countries.
Mike is also the founder of the Presidential Fellows Program, designed to support returning Kenyans who studied abroad to find opportunities at home. He is also a mentor and regular speaker on strategy and leadership.
He holds a BSc in Business & Information Systems.
Ngaruiya Kamau
Innovations & Strategy Manager, Redhouse Group
Gil Kemami
Caroline Mbarire is a Mentor, Mentee, Digital Media Prodigy, Lecturer and Lead.
As an Assistant Digital Marketing Manager at Kenya Tourism Board (MagicalKenya), she has been part and parcel of the logo rebranding team and offered full and seamless support on the MagicalKenya Social Handles. She also extended her digital expertise during the premiere of The Lion King in Europe which gave the MagicalKenya global stage visibility and talkability on Social Media worldwide. She has also helped in the strategy and annual work plan formulation which will guide the Financial Year 2019-2020 for the Digital Division Department.
She has also spearheaded Digital Marketing fundamentals and always on Paid Google Search digital-focused training across the Kenya Tourism Board organization, which has been in line with digital transformation core KTB objectives of transforming the destination marketing organization to a digital and data-driven destination marketing organization.
Also currently, Caroline offers part-time digital marketing coaching/tutoring covering Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) courses virtually during COVID-19 pandemic namely Social Media Marketing, YouTube and Display Advertising, Paid Search (PPC) with Google Ads at Simon Page College of Marketing stationed in Nairobi CBD as from the year 2020 ongoing till to date.
Previously as a Digital Media Lead at Publicis Worldwide/Publicis Groupe (Access Leo Burnett Kenya) and WPP-Scangroup, she has worked with a vast, diversified brand portfolio: Local and Diaspora brands such as Facebook, Unilever Kenya, Unilever Southern and Central African Markets (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, and Ethiopia), Coca-Cola Sub-Saharan Africa, BBC Africa, WWF Zambia, Gertrude's Children Hospital, MRP Kenya, Visa Kenya, NESCAFÉ 'Kenya, Duracell Kenya, MERCK (Seven Seas Kenya ), Airtel Kenya, Airtel Zambia, Airtel Ghana, Ecobank Kenya, World Vision Kenya, Coca-Cola, CBA Africa, Diamond Trust Bank, Canon Kenya, Toyota Zambia, Creambell Zambia, Mosi Lager Zambia, Barclays Bank of Zambia, Barclays Bank of Ghana, Castle Lager Zambia, Castle Lite Zambia, Tata Magadi Chemicals Limited Kenya etcetera.
She attained a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce from Strathmore University, Double Major in Marketing and Business Administration specializations. She also has high-level professional certificates in Strategy and Insight Generation from Group-M Africa an affiliate of WPP-Scangroup, Google Adwords Certification from iLab Africa based at Strathmore University, Google Analytics Certified, Facebook Blueprint certified by Facebook Blueprint.
Caroline Mbarire has been enlisted as one of the top 25 women in Digital 2018 in Kenya.
She is a Facebook Blueprint Agency Ambassador and an iHub Member.
Her work experience has contributed to bagging awards at Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK )for Lifebuoy Kenya year 2017 and Airtel Kenya year 2016. Also bagged awards at South Africa New Generation awards for Blue band Kenya year 2017.
She continues to extend her digital prowess and knowledge in form of digital marketing focused workshops i.e at Konnect Hub a unique community experience with the goal of empowering young freelancers, creatives and artists in Africa by providing working, training and entertainment all in one space.
She has done a faculty guest lecturing at Strathmore University, May 2017 as an Alumni of Strathmore University First-class Cohort of AdWords Advertising for the year 2014.
She has also done Faculty Guest Lecturing at ADMI, August 2017.
She has been a Digital Marketing Faculty Lecturer at ADMI since January 2018 till the end of 2019 which has impacted and resulted in successful Professional Digital Marketing Course graduation of over 100 students graduated.
She has also participated in the first Start-up Women Kenya weekend edition and her team were the winners out of the shortlisted five teams with the start-up concept of building a revolutionary mobile application.
Caroline is very passionate about digital media, creating social impact, and believes her purpose mantra is simply to create a positive difference and leave this world better than she found it.
Rehema Chege
Head of Digital, Digitribe - EABL Inhouse Agency
Rehema Chege
Focused on managing the inhouse team at EABL while inspiring my team to create the DigiTribe vision.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAREER
- Digital Agency Lead (CEWA & WABU) for The Coca-Cola Company 2014-2019, delivering multiple campaigns.
- David Ogilvy Award for creativity 2014.
- Recognition by the Coca-Cola Company Internal Awards – The Global Top Social Wins in 2015 and 2016 for delivery of outstanding Social Media executions in Central East & West Africa.
- Digital and Technology Awards, 2018; Best use of Live Streaming.
- Digital Agency Lead on award-winning show, Coke Studio Africa for 2 seasons, earning the YouTube Silver Creator’s Awards in 2018.
- Blue robot Awards, 2019, Best Consumer Engagement, FIFA World Cup Twitter Bot.
- Ogilvy Africa Leadership Award, 2019.
- Set up the first in-house digital agency team in Kenya (DigiTribe) which now manages the online presence of the full KBL portfolio (29 brands).
- MSK 2020 Best Marketing Promotion winner–Digital & Social Media Marketing Campaign – Gordons Pink.
- MSK 2020 2nd runner up Best Realignment Through COVID 19-Marketing. Response campaign- Dial a delivery.
- Launched the EABL influencer playbook 1.0 in 2020.
Samuel Kung'u
Lead Copywriter, Dragon Fly Limited
Samuel Kung'u
Lead Copywriter at Dragonfly Limited. I’m an award-winning, insight-driven, enterprising, and conceptual Copywriter. My passion lies in uncovering unique and unexpected ways into a brief that pave the way to truly original ideas. My experience of over 6 years in the industry and expertise sit at the sweet spot where brand consultancy and communications meet.
I’ve worked with brands in the Manufacturing, insurance, telecommunication, lifestyle, education, banking, entertainment and technology industries.
Recent honors include; AD Stars 2020 (Bronze), DMA Awards (Winner – Best content marketing, Winner – Best In Storytelling), Muse Creative Awards (Gold, Silver & Bronze), African Crystal (Gold And Silver) and APA Awards (Bronze).
Shamis Yassin
Lead Account Director, Dentsu Kenya
Shamis Yassin
Shamis is an idea monger, strategist and marketing mAd Woman with over 8 years’ experience in the industry within both corporate and agency entities, spanning Pan-African markets. Her areas of expertise include elevating team performance, brand, stakeholder and client management for telecommunications, financial services, ICT, travel and fashion/beauty fields. She’s passionate about authentic storytelling, anthropology and self-development. Shamis is also a champion for mental health, women’s & children’s welfare.
Yoram Mwangi
Digital Effectiveness Catalyst, EABL
Yoram Mwangi
I have been working in the digital media industry for over 10 years and actually witnessed first-hand the digital revolution in the early 2010s coming from a media background working as a business development manager at one of Nairobi’s biggest radio stations, Capital FM. From a media perspective, I’ve been part of many milestones using digital media from the implementation of the new constitution via online civic education to the public to the implementation of new advertising solutions for the brand and clients including the adoption of the program.
I have now taken up a new channel moving to the client-side of the digital industry working on the use of tools and data to move decision making from instinct, opinion or boas towards data-led business decisions working with one of the biggest FMCG in East Africa, EABL
Alex Masika
Lead Business Development - Africa, Atlas AI
Alex Masika
Alex Masika is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the Energy and IT sectors. He has previously worked for Chevron Energy, Digital Divide Data -an International Social Enterprise, Google Kenya and is now the Head of Business Development at BRCK, a technology company based in Nairobi Kenya. Alex is passionate about technology that transforms people’s lives especially in emerging markets in Africa.
Alex has an IBA degree from the United States International University Africa and an MBA from the University of Nairobi Kenya. He contributed to the development of the National ICT master plan of Kenya 2017, serves at the KEPSA board (ICT subcommittee) and is also a board member of the Marketing Society of Kenya.
Brian Mung’ei
COO, Socialight Media Ltd
Brian Mung’ei
Brian Mung’ei has over 10 years experience in Africa’s digital communication and technology sector. He is considered one of Kenya’s leading digital strategists and is well respected in the new media and corporate communication circles. Mr Mung’ei graduated from Kenyatta University with a BSc in Software Engineering and later with an MBA in Strategic Management from JKUAT.
Until 2016 he was in-charge of Digital Strategy and Social Media for Safaricom Limited, where he was instrumental in rolling out award-winning digital campaigns and projects that changed the landscape in how corporates engaged with their clients and online influencers in Kenya.
He is currently the COO at Socialight Media (www.socialmedia.co.ke), a youthful Kenyan company that develops robust digital-led strategic and technical communication solutions for Private institutions and Governments. He is a Director at Novato Africa, a technology solutions company based in Nairobi and also doubles up as one of the Judges of the Kenya Social Media Awards.
Caroline J. Kimutai
Managing Editor Digital, Standard Group Plc
Caroline J. Kimutai
She is a trained journalist with 15 years experience in print and online media
At Standard Group, she is responsible for growing online audiences for KTN Home, KTN News, Standard newspapers, Nairobian, Radio Maisha and the Standard Group online assets that include: www.standardmedia.co.ke, www.sde.co.ke – Kenya’s #1 entertainment website and Ureport.co.ke – a citizen journalism website. She previously worked at Genesis, a global internet consumer company with headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine. While at Genesis, she started www.tuko.co.ke Kenya’s first viral news website that disrupted the Kenyan media landscape in 2015. She was the first Managing Editor of Tuko that started out as a “Breaking News” website.
Caroline is an alumnus of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, Moi University, and the University of Leicester (UK) where she did an MA in New Media & Society. She is also a prolific writer and has been contributing to various local and international publications. In 2017, she started her personal blog called www.uncommon.co.ke.
Outside her professional duties, Caroline is a mother to a teenage son and an active Rotarian. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) for District 9212. She was the President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi East in 2014/5. During her tenure, she raised $35,000 by leading 39 volunteers up Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for the eradication of Polio through the Rotary Foundation.
Caroline Mbarire
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager, Kenya Tourism Board
Caroline Mbarire
Caroline Mbarire is a Mentor, Mentee, Digital Media Prodigy, Lecturer and Lead.
Currently as an Assistant Digital Marketing Manager at Kenya Tourism Board (MagicalKenya), she has been part and parcel of the logo rebranding team and offered full and seamless support on the MagicalKenya Social Handles. She also extended her digital expertise during the premiere of The Lion King in Europe which gave the MagicalKenya global stage visibility and walkability on Social Media worldwide. She has also helped in the strategy and annual work plan formulation which will guide the Financial Year 2019-2020 for the Digital Division Department.
Previously as a Digital Media Lead at Publicis Worldwide/Publicis Groupe (Access Leo Burnett Kenya) and WPP-Scan group she has worked with a vast, diversified brand portfolio: Local and Diaspora brands such asFacebook , Unilever Kenya
Unilever Southern and Central African Markets (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, and Ethiopia), Coca-Cola Sub-Saharan Africa, BBC Africa, WWF Zambia, Gertrude’s Children Hospital, MRP Kenya, Visa Kenya, NESCAFÉ ‘Kenya, Duracell Kenya, MERCK (Seven Seas Kenya ), Airtel Kenya, Airtel Zambia, Airtel Ghana, Ecobank Kenya, World Vision Kenya, Coca-Cola, CBA Africa, Diamond Trust Bank, Canon Kenya, Toyota Zambia, Creambell Zambia, Mosi Lager Zambia, Barclays Bank of Zambia, Barclays Bank of Ghana, Castle Lager Zambia, Castle Lite Zambia, Tata Magadi Chemicals Limited Kenya etcetera.
Caroline Mbarire has attained a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce from Strathmore University, Double Major in Marketing and Business Administration specializations. She also has high-level professional certificates in Strategy and Insight Generation from Group-M Africa an affiliate of WPP-Scan group, Google Adwords Certification from iLab Africa based at Strathmore University, Google Analytics Certified, Facebook Blueprint certified by Facebook Blueprint.
Caroline Mbarire has been enlisted as one of the top 25 women in Digital 2018 in Kenya.
She is a Facebook Blueprint Agency Ambassador and an iHub Member.
Her work experience has contributed to bagging awards at Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK )for Lifebuoy Kenya year 2017 and Airtel Kenya year 2016. Also bagged awards at South Africa New Generation awards for Blue band Kenya year 2017.
She has done a faculty guest lecturing at Strathmore University, May 2017 as an Alumni of Strathmore University first-class Cohort of AdWords Advertising for the year 2014.
She has also done Faculty Guest Lecturing at ADMI, August 2017.
She has been a Digital Marketing Faculty Lecturer at ADMI since January 2018 which has impacted and resulted in the successful Professional Digital Marketing Course graduation of over 100 students graduands.
She has also participated in the first Start-up Women Kenya weekend edition and her team were the winners out of the shortlisted five teams with the start-up concept of building a revolutionary mobile application.
Caroline is very passionate about digital media, creating social impact and believes her purpose mantra is simply to create a positive difference and leave this world better than she found it.
Eugene Omolo
Creative Head, SCANAD
Eugene Omolo
Eugene is a Creative Head at SCANAD and a leading voice for integrated marketing communication. In a career spanning over 12 years – 7 of which in WPP and Omnicom agencies in Kenya, he has risen to lead the creative teams across agencies through his ability to recognise how creativity must adapt to technology.
Over the years he has accumulated experience across agency disciplines ranging from advertising and media to research and strategy before settling into digitally-led marketing communication. He has worked for brands in financial services, alco-bev, telco as well as Gov’t and non-profit. A lover of single-malt and single-grain distillates, he loves to decompress through distance running.
Eugene’s ethos stems from a statement Alan Watts once said, “This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it to work, realise it is played.”
In his spare time, Eugene is amassing distance running medals and a collection of Single-Malt whiskeys. He also takes time to mentor talent across the industry.
Fred Kithinzi
Founder & CEO, Belva Digital
Fred Kithinzi
Fred Kithinzi is the Founder & CEO of Belva Digital – an industry-recognized performance marketing agency. His JD reads something like “…delivering consistent ROI for our partners while diversifying and growing the business.” Belva Digital is a recent winner of KPMG Top 100 mid-size companies in Kenya. Previously, Fred worked at Google and IBM where he spent a considerable amount of time supporting businesses in Kenya and beyond to meet their growth objectives. Some of Belva Digital’s clients include established brands such as L’Oreal, Ecobank, Samsung, Microsoft and Kenya Power; as well as standout start-ups like Cellulant, MYDAWA, BitPesa and PESABAZAAR. Fred is a BSC. Computer Science graduate.
Joan Muriuki
COO, Belva Digital
Joan Muriuki
A commercial and marketing operations specialist with over ten years experience in business development, product development, digital marketing and finance. Over the last 10 years I have had the opportunity to work on some of the leading and most exciting brands in the FMCG, Banking, Insurance and Motor industry in Africa.My drive lies in problem solving and working in digital marketing offers a great deal of this. Identifying the true challenge is at the heart of effective digital marketing; a data driven people first approach ensures incremental growth in overall brand value. My current role as COO at Belva Digital Limited overseeing key business functions drawn from commercial, strategy & innovation, creative design, media and technology gives me the opportunity to build and support collaborative teams that meet different brand and business challenges the African market has. In my previous role as General Manager at Alternative Agency I was charged with building strong internal business processes that ensured innovative and creative digital solutions met and exceeded brand and client needs. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from JKUAT and a Master Degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Nairobi.
Joel Rao
CEO, iProspect
Joel Rao
As CEO of, Joel Rao draws on deep digital marketing experience and business development savvy to fuel all-encompassing marketing, entertainment and communication initiatives in Africa, LATAM, Western Europe & South East Asia.
In his career, he has garnered a number of awards, most recently being Top 25 Men in Digital , The MMA Smarties award and a recognition as the Industry Pioneer by Dentsu Aegis Network.
Joel is an adrenaline junkie who loves to work hard and play harder.
Leroy Kitonga
Chief Creative, Li Advantage Africa
Leroy Kitonga
A highly-experienced, concept-driven, hybrid-skilled, smart-thinking Senior Creative.
With over 13 years in the industry I’ve learned that it helps to be versatile. I’m highly conceptual, but with a keen eye for craft and design too. I lead teams and studios, but I’ll roll up my sleeves and get hands-on when the project needs it. I bring a potent mix of old-school skills and up-to-the-minute thinking to everything I do.
I’ve helped my clients build successful campaigns and experiences for their customers and their people.
Manish Sardana
MD, Squad Digital
Manish Sardana
Manish is a digital entrepreneur with over 15 years experience across E-commerce, marketing automation, marketing and advertising. Manish has co-founded and scaled large internet businesses in India which were funded by Intel Capital and Jafco Asia. During this stint, he also designed patent-pending recommendation engine. At WPP-Scangroup, Manish has lead the growth of Squad across Africa, built the proprietary Optimus Marketing Automation platform as well as the Goby E-commerce app. He holds an MBA in Marketing/Finance with a graduate degree in Economics. He is an author of economics textbooks, a keen amateur photographer, a half-marathon man and an avid reader.
Moses Kemibaro
Founder & CEO, Dotsavvy
Moses Kemibaro
Moses Kemibaro is Founder & CEO of Dotsavvy, Kenya’s first digital business agency which conceptualizes, develops, delivers and manages high-performance business results for its clients via digital channels. Previously, he was the Africa Sales Director at InMobi where he led sales in Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana. He was also the Founding Regional Manager at Dealfish East Africa (now known as OLX Kenya), Kenya’s leading online classifieds platform. Moses is a multiple award-winning TechBlogger at MosesKemibaro.com where he rants and raves about all things digital in Kenya and Africa. He is also a long-suffering but loyal Arsenal Football Club fan, aspiring mountain biker and Formula One racing fanatic.
Maryann W. Michuki
Strategic Marketing Technologist
Maryann W. Michuki
A strategic marketing technologist, operating at the center of technology, strategy and customer engagement. Over the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to work with leading technology, travel, financial services and FMCG, brands across Africa, harnessing my passion for strategic interweaving of the the heart; human insights and the science; data to develop solutions that are relevant, contextual and drive long term commercial and brand aspirations.
In my current role, as business director at WPP Scangroup, I lead a team of community of experts drawn from business, strategy, creative and technology working as blended teams to solve business challenges whilst serving as a strategic partner driving innovation and creating value across the consumer decision journey.
Career Ambition
Passionate about brands and curious about their role in consumers’ lives, and the delicate balance between heart and science
I am working to transition from my current go to market focus towards driving scientific influence of brand and product propositions; driven by quantitative data, or big data.
The vision I have for my next role (s) is a more strategic role that has a 2-5 years outlook on the business, while ensuring that we continuously optimise the current capability framework that is geared towards the realisation of the long term business and brand goals. My desired role would have the responsibility of;
Driving strategic business transformation through a holistic approach that includes data, technology, process, people, vision and culture
A strategy partner to marketing professionals, with an operational partnership with technology teams – as an enabler to convert technology towards being a competitive advantage with a long term potential approach
Accountability champion for measurable ROI on marketing investment, with proactive insight generation + implementation of consumer insights across customer touch points.
Maxwell Ngari
Executive Creative Director, Isobar
Maxwell Ngari
Max Ngari comes from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya; Yeah, that country where some of the world’s greatest marathoners come from. In a country, abundant of runners, Max’s sprints in his career have been nothing but award worthy. Grand Clio and 2 Gold Clio winner, 4x Cannes Lions Winner, Grand Prix Dubai Lynx, Gold Loeries and 2X Agency of the year at APA/Loeries Awards among others.
Ranked as one of the most awarded creatives in Sub Saharan Africa, he has served in a number of awards shows in the region, including Loeries Africa.
Max brings with him over 10 years’ experience in the creative industry having worked as a creative lead, for large and multinational brands in the Telco, FMCG, Software, Financial Services, Business solutions and Mobile technology spaces, just to name a few.
His career has seen him work in many markets in Africa and Europe, expanding his exposure and strengthening the potency with which he develops creative solutions.
Mark Kaigwa
Founder, Nendo
Mark Kaigwa
Mike Manuthu
Chief Creative, Li Advantage Africa
Mike Manuthu
I am an end-to-end product developer who takes a wide view of the whole system. I’ve been developing solutions since 2011.
I’m the lead software engineer at the iHub Software Consulting and a co founder of East36 Ltd a Fintech Company providing Mobile Money & Credit Card integrations in East Africa. I have Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from JKUAT University and over seven years of experience working as a software engineer.
Mike Otieno
CEO, Threewin Group
Mike Otieno
Mike Otieno is the Group CEO and co-founder of Threewin Limited a digital transformation company based in Nairobi, Kenya and Estonia.
Threewin’s flagship product is Wowzi, an innovative product designed to democratize influencer marketing: “Make everyone an influencer and enable any business to promote their services using social media influencers. Wowzi will not only create millions of jobs in the gig economy but also enable small and medium businesses to unlock the power of digital media.
Mike Otieno has a background in strategy consulting and has worked with renowned firms such as Mckinsey and Company and the Palladium Group. Mike was also an Uber Nairobi Ambassador. He is also the consular of internations Nairobi Professional Networking group that brings together 1299 members from 106 countries. Every month he hosts a CEO networking forum for the community. Some of his past speakers have included: Nick Nesbitt, CEO of IBM EastAfrica, HE Ambassador Fionnuala, Irish Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Jeff Odundo, CEO of the Nairobi Stock Exchange, John Ngumi, Chairman of the Kenya Pipeline Corporation, Isaac Awuondo, CEO of CBA Bank Kenya, among others.
Mike is also the founder of the Presidential Fellows Program, designed to support returning Kenyans who studied abroad to find opportunities at home. Now in its second year the Fellows program has worked with 22 Fellows with a 100% job placement rate post fellows. His Fellows come from universities such as Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Brown, Edinbrugh, Carnegie Mellon among others.
Mike has been a keynote speaker and a panelist for various conferences including Africa 3.0 Conference sponsored by the British government to address the Insuretech Opportunity, Credit Bank’s bridging the funding gap among SMEs forum, Aga Khan University SCALE Forum for entrepreneurs among others.
Noah Miller
MD, Sochin
Noah Miller
Noah Miller is the Managing Director of Sochin Limited, a communications consultancy based in Nairobi. He is a highly experienced communications advisor with a track record of providing strategic communications expertise to governments and assisting with capacity building strategies.
Mr. Miller has a deep understanding of social media analytics and a strong interest in social network theory, disinformation, and computational propaganda.
He holds a BSc. in Business Administration from Babson College, a MSc. in Development Studies from The London School of Economics and Political Science, and graduated from the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Nelly Ndonye
Digital Marketing professional
Nelly Ndonye
She has over 13 years’ experience in digital communication and marketing with a focus on strategy and technology working with global brands and agencies such as Diageo as the marketing partner for Africa, WPP Scan-group as the business director for Squad digital, Bean interactive as the business Manager and Ringier Africa as the General Manager among other roles.
She attended the United States International University (USIU) and pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in Networking and Marketing.
Her passion for technology is in its use in the improvement of business and communication process; this has seen her grow into one of the leading ladies in Kenya’s digital tech, marketing, and advertising spaces. She is also keen on finding new ways to apply tech solutions to aid in the growth of businesses across Africa.
In her spare time, Nelly enjoys following the happenings in the developments of technology, local and international money markets and American politics.
Ngaruiya Kamau
Innovations & Strategy Manager, Redhouse Group
Ngaruiya Kamau
An energetic thinker, Ngaruiya is especially gifted in understanding how technology can be used to solve business, marketing and communication challenges. He has a wide background in software engineering and is a graduate of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,
His keen interest in human behaviors and philosophy makes him the “go-to guy” for fresh perspectives and views. His great understanding of disruptive technologies and emerging behaviors, has allowed him to interrogate and integrate innovation with business, marketing and communications. With over 16 years of experience, Ngaruiya has worked with various East African and global brands like Visa, Tusker, Guinness, Blueband, Unga Group, NCBA just to mention a few.
Philip Mwaniki
Digital Editor, Royal Media Services
Philip Mwaniki
Philip Mwaniki is an experienced journalist with over 15 years experience. He is currently the Digital Editor for Royal Media Services Ltd and leads one of the top digital brands in the country and region.
Mr. Mwaniki has also worked with the Nation Media Group as a lifestyle writer and editor for the Daily Nation/ Sunday Nation.
Robert Kuria
Digital Media Lead, Zilojo
Robert Kuria
Robert is a Digital Media guru. With over 11 years’ experience in Media Strategy, Planning and Buying, working with multinational brands in the Telco, Tech, Finance, Airlines, FMCG, NGOs and Real Estate, across Africa, UAE and Europe.
He’s worked with some of the leading digital agencies such as Young & Rubicam Brands, WPP-Scangroup and is currently at Zilojo.
He’s handled various top brands such as; Safaricom PLC, Airtel Africa, Warid Uganda, Vodafone Ghana, Tigo Tanzania, yu mobile, Samsung KE, Tecno, Co-op Bank, Barclays Africa, Barclay KE & UK, Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered KE & UAE, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Equity Bank, Kenya Airways, Air Uganda, Kenya Breweries (KBL)¬¬ Pernod Ricard Kenya, Coca Cola, P&G KE, Reckitt Benckiser KE, Unilever, KPMG, and Damac UAE among others.
He holds an MBA, Strategic Management and Marketing from JKUAT and B. Tech, Computer Engineering and Information Science from Moi University and is Google, Twitter and Facebook certified.
Zachary Ouma
Creative Director, Dragonfly Limited
Zachary Ouma
Co-founder and Creative Director of Dragonfly Limited. He has worked in the digital advertising industry for over 10 years with several digital agencies: Dotsavvy, Metrocomia East Africa, Creative Edge and Squad Digital. He has led creative and strategic teams working in diverse digital playgrounds; Manufacturing, Insurance, Telecommunication, Lifestyle, Education, Banking, Entertainment and Technology, with an overarching philosophy: to creatively help clients craft relevant brand stories as they achieve their business objectives
Some of the brands he has worked with include: Unga wa Dola, LG Electronics East Africa, Sanlam, EABL, Crown Paints, NIC Bank, Dairyland Products, Keroche Breweries, Ferrero Group, Vodafone Ghana, Safaricom, SBC, Phillips, Madison Insurance, Longhorn publishers, P&G, Standard Chartered, KLM and many more.
Recent Awarded; Muse Creative Awards 2020( platinum), Muse Creative Awards 2020 (Gold) ,DMA Awards 2019 – Best in Storytelling, DMA Awards 2019 – Best Use of Live Streaming/Hangout, African Cristal 2018 ( Gold And Silver) and APA Awards 2018 (Bronze)