Economy

ARM executive Paunrana replaces Igathe as KAM board chairman

arm

Pradeep Paunrana, ARM Cement chief executive. Photo/Salaton Njau

Pradeep Paunrana, the chief executive of ARM Cement, has replaced Polycarp Igathe as chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) board.

The change follows expiry of Mr Igathe’s two-year tenure at the helm of the industrialists’ lobby.

Prior to this appointment, Mr Paunrana served as KAM’s vice chairman, a position that has since been taken over by Flora Mutahi, founder and chief executive of Melvin Marsh International.

“I think KAM cannot be in better hands. Mr Paunrana is an outstanding leader with deep understanding of the issues in the industrial sector,” said Mr Igathe.

Prior to his appointment to head the 800-member lobby, Mr Paunrana served on various committees of the KAM board, rising steadily to the position of vice chairperson.

As chairman, Mr Paunrana said his vision would include pressing for policies to boost growth of small and medium enterprises, creating jobs, and expanding the manufacturing sector.

Mr Paunrana said he hopes to push the government to address pertinent issues like insecurity, which slows down the manufacturing sector.

A trustee of the Tree Biotechnology Programme, Mr Paunrana holds an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business.