The Board of Directors of Safaricom PLC has announced Adil Arshed Khawaja as the new Chairman of the Board effective January 26, 2023.
Khawaja was appointed as a Director of the company on December 22, 2022.
“We are pleased to welcome Adil Arshed Khawaja as the new Chairman of the Board of Safaricom PLC,” said Safaricom PLC Company Secretary Kathryne Maundu.
“His extensive experience and expertise in the legal profession will be a valuable asset to our company,” Maundu added.
Khawaja is a highly distinguished Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with over 30 years of work experience in the legal profession. He has a reputation for his expertise in dispute resolution, commercial and real estate law, and is recognized as a leading name in the Kenyan legal profession.
He has also been globally recognized in various practice groups as one of the most sought-after lawyers in Kenya.
“I take this opportunity to welcome Adil and wish him all the best as the Chairman of Safaricom PLC. I also look forward to working with Adil and the entire Board of Directors as we continue to transform lives and delivering for our customers, colleagues, community and company,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
Khawanja takes over for former Board Chairman and Director John Ngumi, who resigned early this year, only five months after being appointed.
In recognition of his positive contribution to the country, Khawaja was recently awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of the Republic of Kenya. He currently serves as the Managing Partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison and Mathews, the oldest law firm in Kenya established in 1902. The firm is known for being an innovative, experienced, responsive, and highly skilled.
Khawaja holds board positions in various companies across different markets. He currently serves on several boards including Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, Al Futtaim Automotive-CMC Motors Group Limited and Atua Enkop Africa Limited.
He previously served as a Director of KCB Bank Group from 2012, and was elected the first Chairman of KCB Bank Kenya Limited from 2016 until 2020, when his tenure ended. He has also served on the board as the Director of Kenya Power & Lighting Company as well as a Trustee of the Kenya Wildlife Service.