Background: 

Every year, March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women’s achievements and contributions across all spheres. This year, the theme “Accelerate Action for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment” challenges us to take meaningful strides toward gender equality, and to create spaces where women thrive, lead, and innovate.

In the world of brands, marketing and communications, women aren’t just participating—they’re redefining the game. They’re the strategists, the innovators, and the visionaries who are shaping the future of brands, ensuring they not only stay afloat but truly rise above market disruptions and shifting consumer demands. As brands face ever-changing landscapes, these women are the ones guiding them through the turbulence, ensuring they remain relevant, resilient, and influential.

In an era where brand loyalty is more complex than ever, it takes an exceptional blend of creativity, intuition, and business acumen to craft an identity that resonates. These women at the fore of brands and marketing have mastered this art, transforming businesses into experiences, crafting narratives that build trust, and leading the charge on new and uncharted paths in the industry. From redefining brand storytelling to leveraging digital platforms in innovative ways, these women are the unseen architects of successful brands.

Their work isn’t just about driving revenue—it’s about pushing boundaries and setting the stage for brands to engage more deeply with consumers. It’s about using data and insights not just to sell, but to connect in a way that’s meaningful and authentic. In a world where markets are more volatile and competition is relentless, these women are guiding brands to navigate complexity with strategic agility and foresight.

This International Women’s Day, we take a moment to honor the women who are at the forefront of brands—those shaping the future of business, one campaign, one idea, one bold move at a time. They are not just adapting to changes; they’re creating the future. And by doing so, they’re laying down a legacy that will inspire generations of women to come.

Nozizwe Awuor Vundla – Head of Brand & Marketing, Safaricom

Nozizwe Awuor Vundla, fondly known as Zizwe, describes herself as a “brave marketer and a brand and people builder.” With over two decades of experience in branding, marketing, and innovation, she has led transformative campaigns across Africa and beyond.

Born and raised in Kenya to a Kenyan mother and a South African father, Zizwe’s diverse background has given her a deep understanding of African markets and consumers, shaping her into the marketing visionary she is today.

She currently serves as the Director of Brand & Marketing at Safaricom PLC, where she leads the company’s brand strategy and marketing efforts. She oversees iconic initiatives such as Safaricom Chapa Dimba, a national football tournament that provides young players aged 16-20 with a platform to showcase and nurture their talent, and Sambaza Furaha, a campaign that brought Kenyans together during the festive season.

Before joining Safaricom, Zizwe was the Head of Marketing & Innovation at Diageo South Africa, driving brand growth and consumer engagement across the region.

Her career began at Procter & Gamble, where she spent over 15 years in various leadership roles across South Africa, Kenya, and the United States. She held positions such as Associate Brand Director, Global Brand Manager, and Laundry Brand Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. During her tenure, she spearheaded the iconic Mwosho Mmoja (One Wash) Ariel campaign, which became a nationwide sensation.

Zizwe holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Marketing from the University of Cape Town and completed her International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba.

Judith Sidi Odhiambo – KCB Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs

Judith is the KCB Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs. In this role, she leads the organization in driving strategic external and internal relations with its stakeholders and regulators by safeguarding KCB Group’s interests, reputation, relationships and interactions in all the markets in which it operates.

She leads the development and consistent execution of internal and corporate communications to build a productive culture of staff engagement and the internal capacity of KCB brand ambassadors. As a communications strategist, she advances the reputation, standardizes public brand building and visibility for KCB corporate messaging through thought leadership advocacy. She also strategically supports the commercial objectives of the local market, covering media relations, corporate events and protocol, government and other key stakeholder relations, industry affairs, corporate and sustainability accountability.

She has held similar roles in the transport and water sectors. She has spearheaded several strategic KCB Group initiatives, including designing, championing and mainstreaming Sustainability Finance, Responsible Business and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance impact reporting, and drive progressive sustainable practices and communication in the local, regional and global environment.

These initiatives have enabled KCB to be accredited as the first bank in Kenya and the private sector for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and enjoy access to green funding from the Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) to drive business growth. 

In the year 2021, Judith was recognized by the UN Global Compact as the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) local pioneer in Kenya and in 2021 also recognized as the top 10 women to look out for in the Banking sector through the Angaza Awards. She also sits on the Global Steering Committee (GSC) of the UNEP Finance Initiative since the year 2021.

Rosalind Gichuru – KCB Group Director, Marketing & Communications

Rosalind Gichuru is an accomplished marketing and strategic communications professional, with a career spanning 21 years. Rosalind Gichuru is an accomplished marketing and strategic communications professional, with a career spanning 21 years, having served in various local and international corporations.

She has a proven track record of leading consumer, commercial and trade marketing for global companies across 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the U.S. Rosalind has over the years been instrumental in spearheading brand, reputation, and social investment strategies across the organizations she has worked for.

Rosalind is currently the KCB Group Director of Marketing & Communications, having joined KCB in September 2021 from NCBA Group where she served in a similar capacity. She is a Board Member at the KCB Foundation, the social investment arm of KCB Group.

A respected leader and collaborator who establishes and executes strategic plans for brands that drive business growth, Rosalind has also worked at NIC Bank Group, Coca-Cola Company, Duracell, and the Gillette Company.

She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northeastern University, Boston USA and a Bachelor of Commerce (General Management) from McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada as well as a range of professional certifications.

Throughout her career, she has earned several top accolades for her years of expertise as a dynamic speaker, mentor, coach, and non-profit entrepreneur. These include among others Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women.

In her community engagements, Rosalind has held various Board Member positions in other firms among them being Melvin’s Tea Limited

Bernadette Ngara – Director, Marketing, Corporate Communications & Customer Experience, National Bank of Kenya

Bernadette Ngara, the dynamic Director of Marketing, Corporate Communications & Customer Experience at the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), has been instrumental in elevating the bank’s brand presence and customer engagement since joining in 2014. 

With over 20 years of experience spanning advertising, marketing communications, and corporate citizenship, Bernadette has significantly contributed to both local and international markets, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Her expertise encompasses strategic marketing management, public relations, corporate social responsibility, customer analytics, and digital marketing.

Prior to NBK, Bernadette held key positions in various banks, focusing on marketing, corporate communications, and sustainability reporting. She also served as the Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager at a publicly listed reinsurance company for four years. 

Bernadette’s academic credentials include a Master’s degree in International Marketing from the University of Central England and recognition as a Chartered Marketer (CIM). She has further honed her leadership skills through executive courses at esteemed institutions such as Cambridge University and Strathmore Business School. 

Beyond her professional endeavours, Bernadette actively participates in community initiatives. She played a pivotal role in the ‘We Are All Kenyans’ Red Cross initiative, which aimed to raise funds to support those affected by drought in Kenya. 

Bernadette Ngara’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service continues to drive NBK’s mission of delivering superior banking experiences to its customers.

Nelly Wainaina – NCBA Group Director of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship

Nelly Wangui Wainaina stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation in the world of corporate marketing and communication. As the Group Director of Marketing, Communication, and Citizenship at NCBA, one of Africa’s leading financial services firms, she brings nearly 25 years of brand marketing expertise spanning local and international markets. With a career defined by strategic acumen and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Nelly has been instrumental in shaping corporate narratives, driving brand visibility, and fostering impactful community engagement.

Her journey to the top echelons of corporate leadership began with humble yet ambitious roots. As the eldest child raised by a single mother, Nelly developed resilience and a strong sense of responsibility early on — qualities that would serve as the foundation for her relentless pursuit of success. She attended Alliance Girls High School before embarking on her academic path at Strathmore University, where she studied to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She later earned a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Nairobi and further honed her marketing skills with a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Understanding the evolving leadership landscape, she pursued an MBA in Leadership at the African Leadership University (ALU) Business School in Kigali, Rwanda.

Nelly’s career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. She has held pivotal roles in renowned multinational corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, and Mondelez, where she led strategic marketing initiatives, consumer innovations, and successful product launches. Her work has spanned over 40 countries, enriching her global perspective and refining her ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics. Whether managing brand portfolios in East and West Africa, orchestrating CSR initiatives like the Dettol Heart Run, or facilitating market strategy across Coca-Cola’s African operations, Nelly’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching.

Her leadership at NCBA has been a defining chapter, as she deftly steered the post-merger brand towards greater equity and recognition. She has championed brand awareness initiatives, led corporate communication affairs, and spearheaded citizenship and sponsorship programs that have strengthened the bank’s ties to the community. Her efforts have been widely acknowledged — she was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya in 2010, received the Colgate Chairman and CEO You Can Make a Difference Award in 2014, and was recognised among the Top 25 Most Influential Women in Marketing Impacting Businesses in 2022.

Beyond her executive accomplishments, Nelly is a passionate advocate for empowerment and equality. She has contributed her expertise to various boards and led women’s leadership initiatives, always seeking to uplift the next generation of trailblazers. Her personal life is equally rich and fulfilling — she is a devoted mother, a cherished aunt, a proud pastor’s daughter, a loyal friend, and a cancer survivor who embraces life with grace and gratitude. Whether she’s exploring nature in Nairobi’s Karura Forest or unwinding with a glass of fine red wine, Nelly embodies a spirit of balance and joy.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, agility, and an unyielding growth mindset. Nelly Wangui Wainaina’s legacy is one of transformation — of brands, communities, and lives — and her journey continues to inspire countless others to dream big, work hard, and lead with purpose.

Azmaira Thobani – Head of Corporate Communications, Diamond Trust Bank

“A storyteller at heart, a problem solver by nature, and a passionate advocate for impact,’’ this is how Azmaira Thobani, a seasoned communications strategist with over a decade of experience in public relations, reputation management, and crisis communication, describes herself. As the Head of Corporate Communications at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), she shapes and executes the bank’s communication strategy, ensuring alignment with business and brand objectives. She also spearheads internal communication and employee engagement while overseeing communications across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. In addition, she chairs the Kenya Bankers Association PR Committee, driving industry-wide communication initiatives.

At DTB, she has spearheaded a brand awareness campaign(“Bank with us. Bank on us.”) that reintroduced DTB as a bank that serves Kenyans from all walks of life. The goal was simple – boost brand awareness and recognition. Beyond traditional brand campaigns, she has also led impact storytelling initiatives that go beyond marketing to drive real change. A good example is DTB’s #AchieveMoreGirl initiative, where DTB supports schoolgirls in marginalized communities with sustainable menstrual health products.

Previously, as Senior Manager for Marketing & Corporate Communications at DTB (2019–2023), Azmaira led the bank’s PR and marketing strategies, media monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. She also played a key role in risk and compliance for the department.

From 2014 to 2018, as Marketing & Communications Manager, she launched DTB’s social media presence, introducing personas (@DTBduo) that quickly gained traction. She developed the bank’s first social media policy and led the marketing launch of its inaugural mobile banking app/ Her expertise extended to integrated annual reports, customer communication, brand campaigns, events, and media relations. She rapidly advanced from Assistant Manager to Manager during this period.

Azmaira’s journey at DTB began with the DTB Africa Graduate Management Trainee Program (2011–2014), where she gained hands-on experience across all banking departments. She specialized in marketing and corporate communications and was soon promoted to Assistant Manager, later rising through the ranks.

Before DTB, she worked as a Marketing & Events Executive at Eventrix Ltd (2009–2012), organizing corporate events, expos, golf tournaments, and concerts while managing sponsorships and logistics. Azmaira holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Marketing from the United States International University – Africa.

For International Women’s Day, Azmaira advises: “Advocate for yourself, amplify the voices of others, and challenge the narratives that hold women back. Because the faster we shape the conversation, the faster we shape a more equal future,’’

Waithera Mwai, Head of Communication, EABL

Waithera Mwai is the Head of Communication at East African Breweries Limited, where she leverages her extensive experience in corporate affairs and sustainability to drive high-impact strategies. With a passion for environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic growth, Waithera is a dynamic sustainability and communications expert known for her ability to envision and execute strategies that support organisational goals.

Waithera’s career has been marked by her success in fostering organizational change, using persuasive communication skills to influence public perceptions and build lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders. Her proven track record includes spearheading initiatives that align corporate objectives with sustainability, driving positive change in both the business environment and the wider community.

She is particularly passionate about youth empowerment and gender equality in Africa, aiming to contribute to these causes through her professional endeavours. In 2020, Waithera was honoured as the 1st Runner-Up in the Global Network Kenya SDG Pioneer award, a recognition of her leadership in corporate affairs at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). During her tenure at NSE, Waithera developed the Leadership and Diversity Dialogue series, which sensitized listed companies on leadership and gender equality. Her leadership in this area led to commitments from CEOs of listed companies to advance gender equality in the workplace. Under her guidance, NSE also became an active participant in the UN Global Compact, ringing the bell for gender equality annually on International Women’s Day.

Beyond her professional achievements, Waithera is also committed to her role as a Board Member at KEPRO Kenya, where she works towards strengthening governance, integrity, and compliance. She has contributed to the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), serving as a Committee Member of the Governance, Integrity, and Compliance Committee from May 2021 to May 2023.

Waithera’s work reflects her dedication to driving sustainable change and advancing gender equality. Her communication and leadership skills continue to make a meaningful impact on the success of organizations, ensuring they meet their corporate objectives while promoting positive social change.

Emily Kinuthia, Marketing Manager at CFAO Mobility Kenya

Emily Kinuthia is an accomplished marketing and communications leader with over 18 years of experience in brand building, strategic marketing, and consumer engagement. She currently leads the Marketing and Communication function at CFAO Mobility Kenya, where she drives impactful brand strategies and strengthens market positioning.

She holds an MBA in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, as well as a BA in Communication and Business Administration from Daystar University. Throughout her career, Emily has worked with leading organizations across the advertising, financial, and technology sectors, successfully managing multinational brands and spearheading initiatives that enhance customer engagement.

Her professional journey includes leadership roles at Xetova as Chief Marketing Officer, NCBA Group and NIC Bank as General Manager for Marketing, Communication & Citizenship, and Internet Solutions Kenya as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. She has also served as Business Head at Scanad and Head of Marketing at Diamond Trust Bank. Emily is passionate about leveraging marketing to drive business growth, create meaningful consumer experiences, and build strong brand identities in competitive markets.

Amy Wahome, General Manager, Client Operations, Oxygene Marketing Communication Limited

Amy Wahome is the General Manager, Client Operations, at Oxygène Marketing Communication Limited, one of Kenya’s leading integrated communications agencies. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Amy has been a driving force behind the agency’s success, steering its dynamic growth and championing innovative approaches to marketing communications.

Her career spans pivotal roles at renowned advertising organisations such as Scangroup, where she sharpened her expertise in brand strategy, client relations, and integrated marketing communications. A seasoned practitioner in sustainability, Amy has leveraged this experience to craft impactful, purpose-driven solutions for Oxygène’s diverse clientele, including brands across Africa.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and has further refined her leadership skills through the McKinsey Executive Leadership ​Programme. This strong academic foundation underpins her strategic vision, blending business acumen with a commitment to sustainable communication practices.

Under Amy’s guidance in clients’ operations, Oxygène continues to thrive, earning recognition for its excellence, creativity, and forward-thinking approach. Her passion for sustainability and dedication to excellence position her as a transformative leader, shaping the future of marketing communications in Kenya and across Africa.

Irene Kimani, General Manager, Growth and Business Transformation, Oxygene Marketing and Communication Limited

Irene Kimani is the General Manager of Growth and Business Transformation, at Oxygéne Marketing Communications Limited, a leading agency known for its trusted advisory services to both local and global firms. With over 20 years of experience in the commercial and media industry, Irene has built a strong reputation for her expertise in business development, leadership, strategic planning, and change management.

Throughout her career, Irene has held key positions at prominent organisations. She has worked with P.O.P Media, Nuturn Bates Limited, and Access Kenya in the ICT sector, as well as top Kenyan media houses like Nation Media Group and Standard Group PLC. These roles have provided her with deep insights into customer and commercial management, and she has demonstrated a strong ability to drive business growth and foster client relationships.

Irene’s skills span across multiple areas, including leadership, business growth strategies, and change management, enabling her to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments. She is known for her ability to collaborate effectively, leading teams to success by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Her academic background includes studies in marketing and business management, with accredited training in customer service, commercial leadership, and strategy. These qualifications, combined with her vast professional experience, have equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to take on her current role at Oxygéne. In this capacity, she is responsible for strategy and planning, business development, client relations, and project management, where her leadership continues to drive the agency’s success.

As an adaptable, results-driven professional, Irene Kimani is a proven leader who brings valuable expertise to Oxygéne Marketing Communication Limited, positioning the agency for continued growth and excellence in the marketing communications space.

Imali Makotsi, Head of Brand Marketing and Communications, Watu

Imali Makotsi is a globally recognized communications and external relations leader with over 14 years of experience driving transformative growth for organizations across Africa. A self-described connector, Imali is committed to creating positive brand narratives and platforms for individuals and organisations to tell their story. 

Her passion for working with purpose-led organizations began at Safaricom PLC, where she started her career as a project and communications officer at the MPESA Foundation. Through her daily interactions with partners and impacted communities, she launched and grew the Foundation’s online presence across various platforms. 

Currently serving as Head of Brand and Communications at Watu, Imali has orchestrated a comprehensive pan-African brand strategy across eight markets, achieving remarkable results; a 30% increase in brand recognition and a 40% growth in positive media coverage. Her innovative approach to integrated communications has led to a reduction in project delivery time due to the fit for purpose team she has built and supported the HR team to increase employee engagement through enhanced internal communications.

Imali holds a master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of East Anglia, UK. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, discovering beautiful sights and immersing in different cultures while traveling around the world.