AAR Insurance is one of the leading medical and general insurance companies in Kenya, trusted by over 200,000 customers across the country. For decades, the company has stood out as a pioneer in providing reliable, flexible, and innovative insurance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong footprint in the healthcare and general insurance space, AAR Insurance continues to grow its market presence through digital innovation and by tapping into under-served areas such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microinsurance.
As the insurance industry continues to evolve, driven by changing customer expectations, disruptive technologies, and competitive pressures, AAR Insurance is embarking on an ambitious journey of digital transformation and innovation. This journey seeks not only to enhance the customer experience but also to create new value streams and build resilience in the dynamic financial services environment.
To actualize this vision, the company is seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking professional to join the leadership team as Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. This position represents a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, technology, and business growth. The role will be based in Nairobi, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Job Title: Head of Strategy, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation will play a central role in shaping and executing AAR Insurance’s long-term strategy. This position will lead the organization’s innovation agenda, spearhead digital transformation programs, and ensure strategic alignment across all business units. The role is designed for a visionary leader who can embed a culture of innovation and digital-first thinking within the organization, while driving measurable results that enhance customer experience, efficiency, and competitiveness.
The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of strategic and digital initiatives, coordinate cross-functional teams, and engage stakeholders at multiple levels, including the Executive Team and the Board. Beyond internal leadership, the role will also require building strong external partnerships with startups, technology providers, and ecosystem players in order to position AAR Insurance as a leader in digital innovation in the financial services industry.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation will be responsible for a wide range of functions that touch on strategic planning, digitalization, innovation, and change management.
- Corporate Strategy Development and Execution
- Coordinate the strategy development process in alignment with AAR Insurance’s mission, vision, and values.
- Translate strategy into actionable plans with clear milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring frameworks.
- Partner with business units to identify and evaluate growth opportunities while ensuring that initiatives remain strategically aligned.
- Provide insights, updates, and progress reports to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board.
- Innovation Management
- Lead a structured innovation framework to design, pilot, and scale new products, services, and processes.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration in the implementation of innovation initiatives.
- Build and manage partnerships with startups, technology companies, and industry networks to accelerate innovation.
- Promote and embed a culture of creativity, agility, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Digital Transformation
- Develop and refine the company’s digital strategy, ensuring it is fully integrated into business planning.
- Oversee the modernization of core systems to ensure scalability, compliance, and resilience.
- Champion adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, cloud solutions, and Insurtech platforms to deliver enhanced customer and employee value.
- Manage a portfolio of digital projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope, cost, and budget.
- Project Management and Governance
- Apply best-in-class project management methodologies such as PMP, PRINCE2, and Agile practices.
- Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of strategic and digital projects.
- Ensure effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and governance across all transformation programs.
- Draft, implement, and enforce project management policies, frameworks, and documentation standards.
- Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide leadership to both direct reports and cross-functional project teams.
- Inspire a culture of collaboration, accountability, and performance excellence.
- Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, partners, and customers.
- Act as a change champion to guide teams through organizational transformation and ensure buy-in across all levels.
Education, Experience, and Competencies
To succeed in this role, the Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation will need a solid mix of education, professional certifications, and relevant leadership experience.
- Education
- Graduate-level degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree such as MBA or MSc will be an added advantage.
- Certifications
- Project Management Certification such as PMP, CSM, PRINCE2, CPM, or CPMP.
- Experience
- At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in strategy execution, innovation, and digital transformation.
- Proven track record of successfully managing multi-stakeholder technology and transformation projects.
- Previous experience in the financial services or insurance sector is highly desirable.
- Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking combined with practical execution and delivery skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills in complex and fast-changing environments.
- Outstanding leadership, influence, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Exceptional communication and reporting skills for multiple audiences, including senior executives and the Board.
- Commercial acumen with a solutions-driven mindset.
- Adaptability, creativity, and the ability to inspire collaboration and innovation within teams.
Why Join AAR Insurance?
AAR Insurance is more than just an insurance company—it is a hub of innovation and customer-focused solutions. The organization is committed to creating opportunities for growth and development, both for its employees and customers. By joining AAR Insurance as the Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, you will be at the forefront of reshaping the insurance landscape in Kenya and the broader East Africa region.
This role offers:
- An opportunity to influence corporate strategy at the highest levels.
- A platform to drive meaningful digital and innovation initiatives with lasting impact.
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and partnerships across industries.
- A collaborative work culture that values creativity, inclusivity, and diversity.
- Competitive employment terms within one of Kenya’s most trusted insurance brands.
Job Category and Location
- Job Category: Head of Strategy
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Deadline for Applications: 30th September 2025
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and are excited about shaping the future of insurance through strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team at AAR Insurance.
Please send your application letter and updated CV, together with any supporting testimonials, to the Human Resources Department at:
Applications should reach us no later than 30th September 2025.
At AAR Insurance, we are an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, gender, or age.
