NAIROBI, Kenya- Cannon Group has announced a series of high-profile board appointments as the Kenyan-owned financial services provider moves to strengthen leadership and accelerate growth across its insurance and asset management businesses.
In changes unveiled on Tuesday, veteran corporate executive Titus Naikuni was appointed Chairman of the Board of Cannon General Insurance (K) Limited, while seasoned finance expert David Abwoga was named Chairman of the Board of Cannon Life Assurance (K) Limited.
The Group also appointed Judy Kamau as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Cannon General Insurance (K) Limited and Cannon Asset Managers (K) Limited.
Cannon Group said the appointments mark a significant milestone in reinforcing its governance structures and strategic agenda following the company’s return to Kenyan majority ownership after a local acquisition in 2022.
Naikuni, one of Kenya’s most respected corporate leaders, brings more than three decades of executive leadership and boardroom experience spanning aviation, infrastructure, manufacturing and financial services sectors.
He previously served as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways and has also held senior roles including Managing Director of Magadi Soda Company and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Transport and Communication.
Naikuni has extensive experience in the financial services industry, having served in leadership positions at institutions including Housing Finance Company of Kenya, Heritage Insurance and Prudential Life Assurance Kenya.
He currently serves as a director and advisor to several regional and international organisations and remains actively involved in conservation and education initiatives.
Naikuni holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nairobi and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Meanwhile, David Abwoga joins Cannon Life Assurance with over 30 years of experience in finance, governance, audit, risk management and corporate strategy across East Africa’s financial services sector.
Abwoga currently serves as an Executive Director at NCBA Group Plc, where he provides strategic leadership in finance and governance while overseeing risk management and organisational oversight.
His career includes senior leadership positions at Citibank, Marshalls East Africa and Deloitte & Touche.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Moi University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Secretary and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
The Group further announced the appointment of Judy Kamau as Non-Executive Director on two of its boards.
Kamau previously served as Non-Executive Director at Lycée Français Denis Diderot Nairobi and held senior finance and reinsurance positions at Renaissance Reinsurance Limited in Bermuda and Singapore, AON Insurance Managers Bermuda and PricewaterhouseCoopers Kenya.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and an Executive Master in Coaching & Consulting for Change from INSEAD.
Commenting on the appointments, Cannon Group Chief Executive Officer Andrew Greenwood said the new leaders would play a critical role in advancing the company’s transformation agenda.
“We welcome Mr. Naikuni, Mr. Abwoga and Ms. Judy Kamau to the respective Boards of Cannon General Insurance, Cannon Life Assurance and Cannon Asset Managers. Their wealth of experience and proven leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate Cannon Group’s transformation and growth agenda,” Greenwood said.
Cannon Group operates through Cannon General Insurance, Cannon Life Assurance and Cannon Asset Managers and has over five decades of experience in Kenya’s financial services industry.
