Kenya Airways, widely known as the Pride of Africa, has long stood as one of the most prominent airlines on the continent. With a rich history, an extensive route network, and a reputation for excellence, the airline continues to serve as a critical bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. As the aviation industry evolves with increased competition, shifting market dynamics, and opportunities in global travel, Kenya Airways remains committed to building a sustainable, profitable, and world-class airline.
To achieve this vision, Kenya Airways is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Finance Officer (CFO). This senior executive role is not only central to safeguarding the financial health of the airline but also pivotal to shaping its long-term growth, resilience, and strategic positioning. The CFO will work closely with the Group Managing Director & CEO, executive leadership team, board of directors, and stakeholders to ensure robust financial management, corporate governance, compliance, and innovation in financing strategies.
This opportunity offers a seasoned finance leader the platform to influence decision-making at the highest level, guide a large and complex finance division, and play a critical role in Kenya Airways’ journey towards transformation and sustainability. Beyond technical financial expertise, the role demands visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to foster collaboration across functions.
For candidates with an exceptional track record in corporate finance, governance, and multinational financial operations, this is an opportunity to lead one of Africa’s most significant financial stewardship roles in aviation.
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Finance Officer will serve as the steward of Kenya Airways’ financial strategy, resources, and governance. Reporting directly to the Group Managing Director & CEO, the CFO will be accountable for ensuring that the airline’s financial structures, operations, and strategies align with both current priorities and long-term sustainability.
This includes overseeing the development and execution of financial policies, managing corporate financing, safeguarding assets, strengthening investor and regulatory confidence, and building high-performing finance teams. The CFO will ensure that the airline’s financial management meets international standards of accuracy, accountability, transparency, and efficiency.
This is a mission-critical position at the C-Suite level, requiring not only technical mastery in finance and accounting but also an influential presence that drives cross-organizational alignment, strategic innovation, and financial resilience in a challenging global aviation environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Finance Officer will be expected to take full charge of Kenya Airways’ financial functions while contributing strategically to overall business performance. The responsibilities are multi-faceted and extend well beyond traditional financial management to include leadership, investor relations, compliance, and organizational transformation.
1. Strategic Oversight of Financial Management
- Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of Kenya Airways’ financial strategy to align with the company’s vision, objectives, and operational priorities.
- Oversee the airline’s financial planning processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and multi-year financial modeling.
- Ensure that financial resources are deployed effectively and efficiently across departments and projects, balancing short-term needs with long-term growth.
- Provide clear, data-driven financial insights and recommendations to the Group CEO, board of directors, and senior leadership team to support decision-making.
2. Corporate Finance and Treasury Management
- Oversee treasury functions including liquidity management, banking relationships, foreign exchange risk management, and cash flow optimization.
- Evaluate and implement financing structures that support strategic initiatives, including aircraft acquisition, fleet expansion, and operational efficiency.
- Manage relationships with financial institutions, lenders, credit rating agencies, and investors to ensure ongoing support for Kenya Airways’ funding requirements.
- Drive strategies to optimize capital structure, debt management, and financial sustainability.
3. Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Ensure that the airline’s financial reporting meets the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and timeliness.
- Lead the preparation and presentation of statutory financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Guarantee adherence to tax compliance, regulatory reporting, and statutory obligations across all jurisdictions in which Kenya Airways operates.
- Uphold strong internal controls, risk management, and governance practices to safeguard company assets and maintain stakeholder trust.
4. Investor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the key liaison with shareholders, regulators, auditors, analysts, and other stakeholders on matters of financial performance and strategy.
- Build and maintain trust with investors and partners by articulating the airline’s financial strategy, performance outlook, and long-term value proposition.
- Coordinate closely with government authorities, aviation regulators, and external financial institutions to support compliance, funding, and stakeholder confidence.
5. Leadership and Team Development
- Provide visionary leadership and guidance to the finance division, ensuring alignment with Kenya Airways’ mission and values.
- Build a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation within the finance team.
- Mentor, coach, and develop finance professionals across the organization to strengthen capacity, succession planning, and overall effectiveness.
- Ensure effective collaboration between finance and other business functions to achieve integrated strategic outcomes.
6. Business Strategy and Transformation Support
- Act as a key contributor to Kenya Airways’ corporate strategy development and execution.
- Support business units in evaluating investment opportunities, partnerships, alliances, and operational restructuring.
- Deliver financial analyses that inform strategic initiatives such as route expansion, cost optimization, digital transformation, and customer experience improvements.
- Drive the adoption of financial systems and technologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and real-time decision-making.
Skills and Competencies
Success in the role of Chief Finance Officer at Kenya Airways requires a balanced mix of leadership, technical finance expertise, and strategic foresight. The individual must possess the ability to both dive deep into complex financial matters and communicate high-level insights that inform organizational strategy.
- Leadership: Ability to lead large teams, inspire confidence, and align diverse stakeholders around shared financial goals.
- People Management: Strong experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, fostering talent, and creating a performance-driven culture.
- Financial Reporting: Expert knowledge of IFRS, statutory requirements, and corporate governance frameworks.
- Tax Expertise: Strong command of tax laws and their application across multinational operations.
- Analytical Skills: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, scenario planning, and interpreting large datasets for business decision-making.
- Financial Analysis: Ability to synthesize financial insights into actionable business strategies.
- Business Strategy: Proven track record of supporting organizational strategy through robust financial leadership.
Qualifications
Since qualifications were provided in the JD, they are included here as stated:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- Professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, or CA.
- Minimum of 15 years’ senior-level experience in finance or accounting, with proven leadership in corporate strategy and financial management.
- Strong knowledge of IFRS reporting, corporate governance, and financial systems.
- Proven record in managing finance functions across regional or global markets, particularly within multi-currency environments.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups at both board and shareholder levels.
- Prior experience in the airline or transportation industry is considered an added advantage.
Why Join Kenya Airways
The role of Chief Finance Officer at Kenya Airways is not only a career-defining leadership position but also an opportunity to shape the financial future of one of Africa’s most iconic institutions. Joining Kenya Airways offers:
- Strategic Impact: An opportunity to influence the direction and resilience of the airline during a transformative period in global aviation.
- Leadership Platform: A chance to operate at the highest levels of decision-making and governance in a multinational organization.
- Professional Growth: Exposure to a highly dynamic sector with unique financial and operational challenges that build global expertise.
- Cultural Contribution: An opportunity to work with diverse teams and stakeholders across Africa and international markets.
- Legacy Building: The chance to leave a lasting mark on the sustainability, profitability, and growth of an airline that holds a special place in Africa’s aviation industry.
Conclusion
The Chief Finance Officer role at Kenya Airways is designed for an exceptional finance leader ready to take on one of the most challenging and rewarding financial stewardship positions in Africa. It requires someone who can balance strategic vision with operational rigor, build financial resilience in a complex environment, and drive growth in a highly competitive global sector.
If you are passionate about aviation, financial excellence, and shaping the future of an iconic African airline, this role provides a unique platform to make a meaningful impact.
