Technology

Airtel appoints new marketing director

wanjohi

Mr Charles Wanjohi has been appointed as Airtel Kenya's marketing director. Photo/Courtesy

Telecommunications firm Airtel Kenya has tapped Charles Wanjohi as its marketing director, at a time when the firm is set to launch a new loans product for its subscribers in a bid to grow and acquire new customers for its money transfer services.

Mr Wanjohi will be expected to spearhead the telco’s marketing activities locally in line with its growth strategy.

Airtel Kenya managing director Shivan Bhargava said the senior level appointment had been effected as part of the firm’s growth strategies.

“As part of our ongoing market storm efforts, we are constantly seeking for fresh and capable local talent that can help us drive the Airtel brand to the next level,” said Mr Bhargava confirming the appointment.

Formerly the group general manager revenue and marketing at Airtel Africa, Mr Wanjohi joined Airtel (then called Celtel) in 2006 from Kodak South Africa where he was the business analyst for the sub-Saharan region.

He has also held other roles at Airtel including business analysis and pricing for the commercial department, setting up the Kenyan operation business planning team as well as group roles in Zain Africa offices.

Airtel CEO added that Mr Wanjohi’s entry would be a big boost to the firm’s overall strategies given his wealth of experience locally and within the region.

Airtel Kenya will introduce another loans product, in March, in partnership with a Mauritius-based consumer credit firm AFB, as it looks for a larger share of the mobile-based micro credit services given that it has a pact with micro lender Faulu Kenya.

READ: Airtel Kenya targets M-Shwari with new mobile loan service

AFB will be lending Airtel subscribers between Sh2,000 and 30,000 payable over a period of six months. The loan will be offered to customers without security, with savings, airtime consumption patterns and use of Airtel’s money transfer service being tools of credit appraisal.

Mr Wanjohi holds an MBA from Strathmore University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi, majoring in Finance. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) K.