Video : African Women Leaders series : Jane Karuku
percentage of female suppliers , and the Spirited Women Network , which focuses on female employee mentorship and retention . The manufacturer , which is majorityowned ( 50.03 %) by beverages giant Diageo , made history in 2019 when it became the first-ever firm in Kenya to implement a 26-week maternity leave and four-week paternity leave policy .
Jane says that the policy has paid off , enhancing the productivity of workers , and directly contributing to the increase in revenues .
Serving as CEO at EABL is ‘ a calling ’ In sustainability too , Jane has made her mark at the manufacturer , which counts more than 40 brands including Tusker , Johnnie Walker , Smirnoff , and Guinness within its diverse portfolio – and has pledged to become Net Zero in direct operations by 2030 .
JANE KARUKU , CEO , EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LIMITED
Jane has a 25-year track record of leading organisations in Africa to growth , both FMCG listed companies and NGOs , and has been recognised among 50 female corporate leaders on the continent . As well as serving in leadership roles at Telkom Kenya , as Deputy CEO , and Cadbury ’ s East and Central Africa , she led one of Africa ’ s largest grant-making organisations in the food security and agricultural development sector ( AGRA ) and has held executive positions at Farmers Choice Kenya and Kenya Cooperative Creameries . CEO of EABL since January 2021 , she has turned around the manufacturer ’ s financial and operational performance and overhauled its culture . She is Chairperson of Kenya ’ s Vision 2030 Board , a board member of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and has an MBA in Marketing from the National University of California .
20 September 2023