Several prominent Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in Kenya have resigned or stepped down from their positions in 2025. These exits, occurring across both public sector entities and corporate firms, have been attributed to various personal and professional reasons. Some executives cited personal circumstances, while others indicated that they had achieved their goals during their tenure. A few did not disclose the reasons behind their decisions. Here’s a look at some of the key CEOs who exited their roles in 2025.
1. Marion Gathoga-Mwangi – Standard Group PLC
Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, the CEO of Standard Group PLC, announced her resignation on June 12, 2025, citing personal reasons. She had been with the company since August 2024, succeeding Joe Munene, who served as the acting CEO. Marion’s exit was part of a controlled transition, and she expressed her appreciation for her time at the helm, ensuring that the company’s leadership would be in capable hands moving forward.
2. Maxwell Wahome – Longhorn Publishers PLC
Maxwell Wahome, the CEO of Longhorn Publishers, stepped down on September 30, 2025, after seven years at the helm. He had worked with the company for a total of nine years, with the last seven spent as CEO. His resignation was confirmed by the Board of Directors on August 22, 2025. Wahome’s leadership saw Longhorn Publishers expand significantly in the regional market, and his departure marks the end of an era for the company.
3. Patricia Ithau – WPP Scangroup
Patricia Ithau, CEO of marketing giant WPP Scangroup, resigned on July 16, 2025, following the completion of her three-year contract. Her resignation came after a period of restructuring and transformation within the company, which faced financial difficulties, including a reported net loss of KSh 507.6 million in 2024. Ithau’s strategic leadership through challenging times led the company through a critical phase of growth and transformation.
4. Rakesh Rao – Crown Paints Kenya
Rakesh Rao stepped down as the CEO of Crown Paints Kenya on October 2, 2025, after 20 years with the company. Under his leadership, Crown Paints expanded into regional markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. His resignation marked the beginning of a new chapter for the company, with Mustafa Turra, formerly of Olam Agri Nigeria, taking over as the new CEO on October 1, 2025.
5. Eng. Philemon Kandie – Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA)
Eng. Philemon Kandie resigned as Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) in July 2025. His departure was announced by the KeRRA Board Chairperson, Anthony Ng’ang’a Mwaura. Kandie’s resignation prompted the appointment of Eng. Jackson K. Magondu as the acting Director General. Kandie had led KeRRA through several critical infrastructure projects during his tenure.
