KQ signs American firm to hire new chief executive

Kenya Airways has tapped a US executive head hunting company to recruit outgoing CEO Titus Naikuni’s replacement.

The Chicago-based firm Spenser Stuart says in advertisements for the job that “aviation and African experience” will be added advantage for aspiring candidates, indicating the national carrier’s intention to carry on its Africa expansion strategy.

The continent has been KQ’s mainstay over the years, accounting for 52 per cent of its turnover.

The airline said Mr Naikuni’s replacement should be a “business leader with experience in successfully driving aggressive and sustainable growth, managing complex capital intensive business and delivering operational and safety excellence.”

Mr Naikuni, 60, is set to leave office at the end of the year. His contract was extended by a year to ensure continuity during a critical expansion time for the airline. He has led the company since 2003.

Spencer Stuart is a leading executive hiring firm that has helped major global companies, including Yahoo, fill top positions.

Its services include recruitment of executives and board members, assessing senior executives and helping companies come up with comprehensive CEO succession planning, according to information posted on its website.

Mr Naikuni’s replacement will oversee the implementation of the airline’s vision to grow its destinations to 115 and grow its fleet to 120 aircrafts by 2021, as laid out in its 10-year strategic plan dubbed Project Mawingu.

READ: Who will fit in Naikuni’s shoes at Kenya Airways?

The next executive will face the challenge of increased competition, especially from Middle East carriers that have been expanding their reach in Africa, as well as contend with the major hampering regulations in the region. He/she will also have to ensure the airline remains profitable, especially after three years of poor performance.

The government will have a major say on who the next chief executive will be as the majority shareholder, with a 29.8 per cent stake.

KLM/Air France are the second biggest shareholder with 26.7 per cent stake. In a survey released yesterday, KQ was named the most punctual airline flying into Heathrow beating 81 airlines.