Meet Jane Karuku: Top executive leading Kenya’s $1 billion brewery giant

Feyisayo Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Jane Karuku has been the Group Managing Director and CEO of East African Breweries Limited (EABL) since January 1, 2021.
  • Under her leadership, EABL achieved significant financial milestones, cementing its status as East Africa's leading brewer with a valuation of $1 billion.
  • Karuku advocates for sustainability, gender equity, and youth empowerment, driving impactful change in the region’s corporate sector.

Taking corporate leadership in East Africa’s largest economy to new heights, Jane Karuku's rise to prominence as the first woman to lead East African Breweries Limited (EABL) is nothing short of extraordinary.

The 63-year-old executive took the helm of the 100-year-old giant, one of the region’s oldest and largest, on Jan. 1, 2021. Since then, she has steered the $1-billion regional powerhouse with bold strategies, innovation, and a focus on sustainability, while championing diversity and inclusivity.

Leveraging over two decades of leadership experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and non-governmental organizations, Karuku’s career reflects resilience, strategic vision, and excellence—qualities that have solidified her as one of East Africa’s most influential executives.

Karuku's strategic leadership at EABL

Armed with 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, Karuku began her distinguished career at Farmers Choice Kenya and Kenya Cooperative Creameries.

Her dedication to operational excellence and innovative thinking led to senior roles, including Managing Director of Cadbury East and Central Africa and Deputy Chief Executive and Secretary-General of Telkom Kenya.

In 2015, Karuku became Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited, where she drove revenue growth and operational efficiency. Her strategic foresight earned her the top position at EABL, where she continues to inspire transformative change.

EABL’s revenue surges under Karuku leadership

Under Jane Karuku's leadership, EABL has consistently delivered impressive financial results, reinforcing its position as a leader in the East African brewing sector.

By the end of the 2024 fiscal year, the company’s revenue had grown to Ksh124.65 billion ($848.95 million), up from Ksh85.6 billion ($13.5 million) in 2021. This growth was driven by strategic investments in product diversification and market expansion.

Similarly, earnings rose from Ksh6.96 billion ($22.92 million) in 2021 to Ksh10.87 billion ($10.87 million) by the close of the 2024 fiscal year. EABL’s total assets also saw a healthy increase, growing from Ksh60 billion ($57.27 million) in 2021 to Ksh88.1 billion ($279.8 million) in 2024, reflecting Karuku’s leadership in strengthening the company’s presence across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with a sustained focus on sustainability and innovation.

Beyond financial performance, Karuku's impact is felt in her leadership roles outside EABL. As Chairperson of the Kenya COVID-19 Fund and a member of Kenya’s Vision 2030 Board, she has championed initiatives promoting economic resilience and sustainability.

In 2024, her compensation package of Ksh83.49 million ($0.65 million) reflected her role in EABL’s success, and her ownership of 65,429 shares, valued at Ksh11.14 million ($86,213), further aligns her with the company’s mission.

Karuku champions leadership, empowerment in Africa

Karuku has earned recognition as one of East Africa’s top leaders. From food science graduate to CEO of a Ksh141.83 billion ($1 billion) company, she exemplifies resilience, innovation, and excellence. Under her leadership, EABL continues to thrive, setting a standard for inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation across Africa.

Her advocacy for gender diversity and youth empowerment has reshaped corporate leadership in East Africa, inspiring a new generation of leaders. Karuku also serves as a Trustee at the United States International University (USIU) and a board member at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.