KENYA – Sasini Plc, a Kenyan listed tea and coffee processing firm has appointed Martin Ochien’g as new managing director to oversee its operations following the resignation of Mr Stephen Githiga from the position last year

Martin Ochien’g will take over the position from 1st March 2019 and will replace Samuel Odalo, the group’s financial controller who has been the interim managing director since January this year.

Samuel Odalo holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the United States International University (USIU), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) (Hons) from USIU, Certified Public Accountant (CPA K).

The new MD, Mr Ochien’g, is a holder of Master’s degree in Business Administration from UK’s Oxford Brookes University and becomes the fourth boss to occupy the Sasini corner office in about four years.

“His career spans over 25 years of experience in international trade and business management and leadership in industry leading global organisations,” explained Sasini board said in a statement.

Previously, Mr Ochien’g has served in organisations such as 3M Healthcare, Warner Lambert/ Pfizer Inc., and Pfizer South Africa where he worked as Head of Marketing for sub-Saharan Africa markets.

In leadership capacities, he was Head of Global Marketing at KWV International, Marketing and Strategy Director for Africa and Middle East at Tyco International.

He was also the Managing Director for EMEA at Tyco Commercial Services, GHM South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, managing director Security Group Africa in Kenya and is also a board member of Maseno Alumni Investments Ltd and chairs its Corporate Governance Committee.

Mr Ochien’g will lead the firm’s diversification strategy into macadamia and avocado farming, which are usually inter-cropped with traditional tea and coffee – Sasini’s main revenue drivers.

Sasini Plc has interests in the coffee, dairy, livestock, horticulture and tourism sectors and sells the bulk tea produced through the Mombasa auction or direct sales to export customers.

Aristocrats Tea and Coffee is the exporting arm of Sasini Plc and exports milled coffee to international blending houses and roasters.

The firm also markets and sells tea under brand names; Sasini Gold, Sasini Chai and Sasini Premium while its coffee products retails in the domestic market under Kahawa Bamba and Sasini Instant Coffee brands.

The firm reported a 13.52% drop in full-year profit to US$2.93 million for the period ended 30th September 2018 after revenue fell 16.33% to US$34.93 million.