APA Apollo Group has named Risper Ohaga as its next Group CEO, marking a pivotal moment for one of East Africa’s leading financial services companies.
She will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026, following the conclusion of her tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at East African Breweries Plc.
A Proven Finance Leader
Risper is widely recognized as a seasoned finance executive with a track record of transformational leadership, performance delivery, and governance excellence across multiple jurisdictions. Her expertise spans:
- Driving performance and regulatory management
- Financial control and statutory accounting under IFRS
- Taxation, planning, and budgeting
- Risk management and internal audit
- Investor relations and boardroom leadership
She is a Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Accounting from the University of Nairobi.
Legacy of Impact
At East African Breweries Plc, Risper optimized the company’s balance sheet, strengthened governance frameworks, and deepened investor relations earning recognition as a transformational leader. She describes herself as an “experienced Chief Finance Officer with a demonstrated track record of transformational leadership, performance and delivery.”
Her career includes senior roles at Barclays/Absa in Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lusaka, as well as at KPMG East Africa. Within APA Apollo Group, she has already served as a Non‑Executive Director and chaired the Audit & Risk Committees of APA Insurance and APA Life Assurance, giving her deep insight into the Group’s operations and governance.
Looking Ahead
Commenting on her appointment, Risper said:
“I am excited to take on this new role at APA Apollo Group, where each day presents an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of our people across East Africa. Ashok has built an extraordinary legacy of leadership and innovation, and I look forward to building on this to drive growth and deliver on our priorities through collaboration and innovation. The evolution of the financial services sector presents tremendous opportunities, and I am eager to expand our market‑leading solutions to create meaningful impact across the region.”
Honoring Ashok Shah’s Legacy
Outgoing Group CEO Ashok Shah will step down after an exceptional 50‑year career in the insurance industry. Reflecting on his journey, Shah said, “Leading APA Apollo Group over the past fifty years has been an extraordinary experience. Together with our teams, we have built a trusted, innovative, and resilient group of companies. I am confident that our strong leadership will continue to build on this foundation and take the Group to even greater heights.”
Daniel Ndonye, Chairman of AIL, praised Shah’s contribution, “Ashok’s leadership has left an indelible mark not only on APA Apollo Group, but on the insurance industry in Kenya and the wider region. His commitment to integrity, innovation, and inclusive growth has built APA into the strong and trusted institution it is today.”
Shah will continue to serve in strategic roles as Founder and Advisor, ensuring continuity during the transition.
The Future of APA Apollo Group
The Group remains committed to executing its growth strategy across general insurance, life assurance, investment, and asset management. It will continue to prioritize operational excellence, prudent risk management, exceptional customer service, and long‑term value creation for all stakeholders.
