Johnes is a versatile and seasoned business leader with over 20 years’ experience in the Food Industry: Extensive expertise and hands-on experience in strategy formulation and execution, Financial modelling for manufacturing enterprises, Change and Strong management acumen, Systems/Process re-engineering and commited enthusiasm in devising and implementing work plans for accelerated business growth.
Johnes has held various positions of increasing responsibility in the FMCG sector while switching seamlessly between strategy and operations: Served as business leader and CEO for six years at Kaliti Food Share company (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) with full responsibilities on business turn-around (loss to profitability), expansion and portfolio growth as well as re-modelling the overall business structure. Prior to Ethiopia, Johnes managed UNGA Ltd Nairobi’s Industrial area factory handling both Maize and Wheat milling plants as well as Porridges and the Pulses businesses. From 2006 -2012, he worked at America ’s Corn Products International (currently Ingredion plc) as Operations Manager for the business’s soleCorn wet milling plant in Africa: Later appointed to the Global Innovation and Continuous Improvement Team representing the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Johnes has rich experiences with cereals processing, fresh produce exports, Avocado oil extraction, pasta/biscuits manufacture, fruits and vegetables processing just but to mention a few. As a Consultant, he has advised and assisted many SME ’s in East Africa to navigate through daily business challenges; Also engaged in promoting consumption of fortified whole grain foods through numerous initiatives … carrying out processors mapping for gaps and potential scoping and capacity development through technical assistance under different projects/programs in different countries.
Johnes is a certified QMS auditor, Executive coach for managers and a Kaizen practitioner. He holds Masters in Strategy Mgt., a BSc. Degree – Food Science and Technology (Nairobi University) and Trainings in Process Engineering. He is passionate about growth in the entire food supply chain especially when dealing with agri-based formations that promote improving food productivity, quality and safety

Prior to BCG, Vanessa completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Edinburgh where she engaged in experiences ranging from developing community engagement strategies for social impact organizations, researching on innovative and sustainable transport, to tutoring on sustainability and social responsibility.

Vanessa is an Associate at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Nairobi, on a 6 month assignment with FWGA. While at BCG, she has worked on a range of strategic projects across food systems transformation, corporate and organizational structuring, and start-up ventures support.

Prior to BCG, Vanessa completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Edinburgh where she engaged in experiences ranging from developing community engagement strategies for social impact organizations, researching on innovative and sustainable transport, to tutoring on sustainability and social responsibility.

David Kamau is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical and Fast Moving Consumer Goods industries. Through his vast experience, David has developed strong business management acumen with fully developed analytical skills for business management and decision-making at senior levels, solid understanding of strategy formulation, designing and implementing results bearing business strategies and work plans. David has extensive regional commercial experience having previously worked for Astra Zeneca as a sales manager in Kenya & Uganda, exports & country manager for Haco Tiger Brands covering the COMESA region and Tanzania. He has also held senior director positions at Haco Tiger Brands as commercial director & marketing director with oversight over the company’s East African operations. David has served as Manager Director of Proctor & Allan (EA) Ltd for the past 7 years and spearheaded the companies restructuring and expansion of its operations with an investment in a state of the art manufacturing plant in Limuru; Kenya which is equipped with modern technology equipment that guarantees world class production of its brands. As Managing Director & CEO of Proctor & Allan, he has been involved in driving the breakfast cereals & porridge business and has championed the rebranding and development of new product initiatives that are geared toward improving health & nutrition of the target consumers. David holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Fisheries) from Moi University in Eldoret and earned an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and has further been awarded the designation of Chartered Marketer SA by the Marketing Association of South Africa (CMSA).