Sanlam Allianz Poaches Former KCB CEO as Chairman as John Simba Retires After 24 Years

Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya has appointed former KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno as its new Board Chairman following the retirement of long-serving chairman Dr John Simba after more than two decades at the helm.

In a notice dated June 4, 2026, the company announced that Dr Simba had retired as Board Chairman and Non-Executive Director with effect from the same date.

Dr Simba is leaving after 24 years of leadership. He joined the board in December 2001 and became chairman in March 2002.

“The Board of Directors of Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC wishes to announce the retirement of Dr. John P N Simba, EGH MBS, OGW, as Board Chairman and Non-Executive Director, effective 4th June 2026,” read part of the notice.

He also served as a member of the Investment Committee and the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee during his tenure.

John Simba Retires as Sanlam Allianz Chairman After 24 Years

Sanlam Allianz credited Dr. Simba with providing strategic leadership and strong corporate governance throughout his time as chairman.

The company noted that he oversaw major achievements, including the transformation of the group from Pan Africa Insurance to Sanlam and later to Sanlam Allianz.

He also played a key role in several mergers, acquisitions and divestitures across the group’s insurance and investment businesses.

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More recently, Dr. Simba guided the company through a successful rights issue that strengthened the holding company’s capital position.

As a member of the Investment Committee, he also provided oversight during the construction and relocation of the group’s headquarters to the Sanlam Allianz Tower in Westlands, Nairobi. Through his role in the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, he supervised several executive leadership transitions within the company.

Beyond Sanlam Allianz, Dr. Simba is a seasoned legal practitioner and corporate leader. He is the Senior Partner at Simba & Simba Advocates and a co-founder of Funguo Investments Plc.

His previous leadership roles include serving at the Attorney General’s Chambers, heading the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (now Kenya Development Corporation), the Parastatal Reform Programme Secretariat, and National Bank of Kenya. He has also chaired several institutions, including the Kenya Bankers Association, Retirement Benefits Authority, Federation of Kenya Employers and APA Insurance.

Currently, he serves as chairman of Bamburi Cement Plc and Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya Limited.

The company thanked Dr. Simba for his service, describing his contribution to the group as invaluable and wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Former KCB CEO Takes Over

Taking over the role is Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno, whose appointment as Board Chairman took effect on June 4, 2026.

Dr Oduor-Otieno is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Leadership Group Limited and is widely known for his leadership in Kenya’s banking sector, including his tenure as CEO of KCB Group.

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He holds an honorary Doctor of Business Leadership degree from KCA University, an Executive MBA from ESAMI/Maastricht School of Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.

He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme and a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Kenya Institute of Bankers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, the Institute of Directors Kenya and the Institute of Certified Secretaries Kenya.

He is additionally a Professional Certified Coach under the International Coaching Federation.

In recognition of his contribution to national development, Dr. Oduor-Otieno was awarded the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).

Apart from his new role at Sanlam Allianz, he currently serves as Group Chairman of East African Breweries Plc (EABL), a Non-Executive Director at BAT Kenya Plc and Africa Nenda Foundation, and is also the Chancellor of Riara University.

The board said it looks forward to his leadership following the retirement of one of its longest-serving chairmen.

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Photo of EABL Chairman Dr Martin Oduor. PHOTO/The Knowledge Warehouse