Crown Paints’ long-serving chief executive officer Rakesh Rao has stepped down after 20 years, during which the company recorded major growth in earnings and sales, and expanded into the regional market.
He has been replaced by Mustafa Turra effective October 1, 2025.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm announced the executive change in a statement issued on Thursday.
“The board … is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mustafa Turra as the Group Chief Executive Officer … Mr Mustafa Turra joins Crown Paints from Olam Agri Nigeria, where he served as the Business Head and Vice President of Soy Crush Integrated Feed & Protein, overseeing Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest feed business,” Crown Paints said.
“The board is confident that with his global perspective, strategic acumen, and strong background in business transformation, Mr Mustafa Turra is poised to lead Crown Paints into its next phase of growth and innovation, reinforcing its position as the region’s leading brand.”
Dr Rao was appointed CEO of the paint manufacturer in 2005, when the company posted a net profit of Sh34.4 million on sales of Sh1.44 billion. The company subsequently expanded its product range, entering the regional market and lifting its financial performance tenfold.
Last year, Crown Paints’ sales reached Sh13.45 billion, while net income stood at Sh543.6 million, with the net profit in the review period reversing a net loss of Sh29.1 million in 2023.
Under Dr Rao’s leadership, the company expanded to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, although Kenya remains its largest market by revenue.
Crown Paints says Mr Turra is poised to lead the company into its next growth phase. The new CEO brings on board over 20 years of international leadership and financial management experience across India, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and South Asia.
“He is an entrepreneurial business leader with a proven track record in transformational growth,” the company said.
Mr Turra holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur, and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi.
