Meet Jane Karuku Top Executive Leading Kenya's 1 Billion Brewery Giant
Jane Karuku has made an extraordinary mark as the first woman to lead East African Breweries Limited EABL, the region's largest and oldest brewing company, cementing her place as one of East Africa's most influential business leaders. Taking the reins of the 1-billion company on January 1, 2021, the 63-year-old executive has guided EABL with bold strategies, innovation, and a focus on sustainability, while fostering diversity and inclusivity across the organization.
With over two decades of leadership experience in fast-moving consumer goods FMCG and non-governmental organizations, Karukus career is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and excellence. These qualities have not only helped her rise through the ranks but also solidified her as a trailblazer in East African corporate leadership.
Karuku holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in Marketing from the National University of California. Her career began at Farmers Choice Kenya and Kenya Cooperative Creameries, where her dedication to operational excellence and innovation led to senior leadership roles. She went on to serve as the Managing Director of Cadbury East and Central Africa, and Deputy Chief Executive and Secretary-General of Telkom Kenya.
In 2015, she became the Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited, where she significantly boosted revenue and improved operational efficiency. Her leadership and strategic foresight led to her appointment as the CEO of EABL, where she has driven transformative change.
Under Karukus leadership, EABL has posted impressive financial results, reinforcing its dominant position in the East African brewing sector. By the end of the 2024 fiscal year, the companys revenue had surged to Ksh124.65 billion 848.95 million from Ksh85.6 billion 13.5 million in 2021. Earnings also increased, rising from Ksh6.96 billion 22.92 million in 2021 to Ksh10.87 billion 10.87 million in 2024. EABLs total assets grew from Ksh60 billion 57.27 million to Ksh88.1 billion 279.8 million, a reflection of Karukus leadership and the companys growth across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Beyond EABL, Karuku plays an active role in various leadership initiatives. As the Chairperson of the Kenya COVID-19 Fund and a member of Kenyas Vision 2030 Board, she has championed projects that promote economic resilience and sustainability.
Karukus compensation package of Ksh83.49 million 0.65 million for 2024, along with her 65,429 shares in EABL, valued at Ksh11.14 million 86,213, underscores her integral role in the companys success. Her leadership and financial stake align her with the companys long-term goals.
From her beginnings in food science to becoming the CEO of a Ksh141.83 billion 1 billion company, Karukus career exemplifies resilience, innovation, and excellence. She continues to set a benchmark for corporate leadership across Africa, especially in terms of gender diversity, youth empowerment, and sustainability.
Karukus advocacy for gender diversity and her efforts to empower youth have redefined corporate leadership in East Africa, inspiring future generations of leaders. In addition to her role at EABL, she serves as a Trustee at the United States International University USIU and as a board member of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.