Michael Joseph, the Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the national carrier, Kenya Airways PLC, has retired from service.
His retirement is effective June 13, 2025, marking the end of a pivotal nine-year tenure that began in 2016.
In a public statement issued by the airline’s board, Kenya Airways credited Mr. Joseph with providing exceptional leadership during some of the airline’s most challenging and transformative years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple strategic restructures.
“Michael served with utmost dedication, honour and diligence, successfully steering the Board and Company through turbulent times,” read the statement. “His leadership was instrumental in guiding the airline through a turnaround strategy that culminated in a historic net profit in 2024.”
Under his chairmanship, Kenya Airways achieved strong growth in both passenger and freight volumes. These results reaffirmed the airline’s operational viability and long-term strategy, despite the headwinds faced by the aviation industry in recent years.
One of the recent milestones overseen by Mr. Joseph was the resumption of trading of KQ shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and other regional bourses in Uganda and Tanzania on January 6, 2025, a significant development for the airline’s capital markets engagement.
The company’s Board and management extended their gratitude to Mr. Joseph for his years of service.
“We express our sincerest gratitude to Michael for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to the airline,” said Habil A. Waswani, Company Secretary, in the announcement. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Michael Joseph, well known for his former leadership at Safaricom, is one of the most influential business leaders in East Africa and helped return Kenya Airways to profitability.
Kenya Airways is expected to announce a new Chairman in due course.
