Standard Group Appoints Substantive CEO, Names New Secretary

Standard Group PLC has confirmed the appointment of Chaacha Mwita as its substantive Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition at one of Kenya’s oldest media houses.

In a public announcement which was issued on April 1, 2026, the Board said Mwita’s appointment takes effect immediately, following months of service as a CEO since July 2025.

The notice says that during that period, he steered the organization through what the board has described as a phase of operational stability while overseeing continued implementation of the company’s strategic objectives.

The confirmation follows what the Board termed a comprehensive evaluation of his performance and a structured appointment process.

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Board Notes Mwita’s Performance

Directors said they were satisfied that Mwita demonstrated the leadership ability, experience and integrity required to take on the role on a substantive basis.

The board also said that Mwita brings extensive experience in leadership, corporate strategy and operations management, with a track record in stakeholder engagement and execution of institutional priorities.

Standard Group says that he holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education degree from the same institution.

The Board has expressed confidence that his leadership will strengthen stakeholder trust and support the company’s long-term value creation strategy as the media industry continues to evolve in a fast-changing digital environment.

Changes in the Secretary Position

At the same time, Standard Group also announced changes within its corporate secretary position, signaling another shift in its structure of governance.

The Board confirmed that Millicent Ngerich resigned from her role as Company Secretary effective March 31, 2026, after serving the Standard Group in that position.

Directors thanked Ngerich for her contribution and dedication to the company during her tenure and wished her well in her future professional endeavors.

Catherine Kawira To Step In As Secretary

The board said she will be succeeded by Catherine Kawira Bariu, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Certified Secretary with more than a decade of experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance and legal affairs.

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On the notice, it said that before joining the Standard Group, Bariu worked as a legal researcher with the Judiciary, supporting high-level decision-making processes through governance oversight and institutional compliance analysis.

She also previously served at the Capital Markets Authority within the Market Operations Directorate, where she participated in regulatory inspections and compliance assessments.

The leadership adjustments come as the company continues positioning itself to strengthen governance systems and strategic direction in a competitive media landscape.

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