Since the transformation from the community-driven iHub to what we know today as iHub 2.0, there’s been a number of changes within the organization. It all started with the appointment of Kamal Bhattacharya former VP at IBM Research Africa was appointed to run as interim CEO of iHub. He spearheaded the transformation to iHub 2.0 until recently, when it was revealed that he is leaving iHub for Safaricom.
As from today, May 8, 2017, Mary Gicharu will take over as the Managing Director at iHub. Mary Gicharu was previously the Senior Program Manager at Equity Bank Limited where she led and managed the implementation of Equitel.
“I feel honored to have been selected for the MD role at the iHub. The iHub has played a pivotal role to develop the tech ecosystem in Kenya and set an example for the whole continent. We are on a great path, and want to ensure we provide the best services possible to the tech community,” says Mary.
“This is a revolutionary period where a new Africa filled with hope and creativity is not only emerging but is now catapulting! The iHub will play a key role in leapfrogging the African tech scene. Innovation is creating relevant solutions using technology because enablement barriers are being unlocked and we want to continue to be in the centrality of it all. I am looking forward to being part of the success of iHub 2.0 and working with an amazing team,” she added.
Outgoing interim CEO, Kamal will now perform an advisory role supporting the team and the investors as the Chairman of the Board of the iHub. He moves to take a full-time role as the Chief Innovation Officer at Safaricom Limited.
“I’m excited to welcome Mary as the iHub MD. We’ve gone through a tremendous amount of changes and right now we need a steady hand to implement our new model. Mary has over a decade of private sector experience and the kind of personality that will give our constituencies, the tech community in Kenya and our private and public sector partners, the confidence that the iHub will continue to be the center of the regional tech universe. I am very much looking forward working with her and the iHub team going forward,” said Kamal.
Other appointments have also been made and the new team is comprised of both new and old members of the iHub. The appointments include:
- Josiah Mugambi as the Director of Strategy and Products – He leads strategy and product lines for iHub’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Journeys.
- Nekesa Were as the Director of Platform Services – She will manage events, membership and member services and also oversee efficiency improvements of the iHub in addition to manage special iHub projects.
- Njoki Gichinga as the Director of Partnerships and Sales – She drives collaborations that will lead to iHub becoming the best African support system for the tech community, as well as a platform for developing amazing enterprises in Africa.
- Rosemary Njeri as the Director of Support Services – She heads all the work currently being carried out in the operational business support functions in Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Administration and Procurement and legal.
