Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC has appointed Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno as Board Chairman, effective 4 June 2026. He takes over from Dr John P N Simba, who steps down after more than two decades at the helm of the board.
Oduor-Otieno founded The Leadership Group Limited, a Nairobi-based consulting firm focused on board governance, leadership development and executive coaching. His career spans the public and private sectors. He served as CEO of KCB Group, worked as a Financial Services Partner at Deloitte East Africa, and held senior roles at Barclays Bank in both Kenya and South Africa. He also served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
Oduor-Otieno currently chairs EABL Group and sits as a Non-Executive Director at BAT Kenya PLC and the Africa Nenda Foundation. He also serves as Chancellor of KCA University. The State recognised his contribution to national development by awarding him the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).
Dr Simba joined the board in December 2001 and was appointed Chairman in March 2002, making his tenure one of the longest in Kenya’s listed insurance sector. During that period, he oversaw the group’s rebranding from Pan Africa Insurance to Sanlam and eventually SanlamAllianz, guided several mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and steered a recent Rights Issue that ensured the holding company remained adequately capitalised. He also oversaw the relocation of the group’s head office to Sanlam Allianz Tower in Westlands, Nairobi.
Simba is a Senior Partner at Simba and Simba Advocates and a co-founder of Funguo Investments PLC. He currently chairs both Bamburi Cement PLC and Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya Limited.
The transition marks a deliberate shift in leadership profile, from a legal and public-sector background to one rooted in banking, financial governance and executive coaching. Oduor-Otieno steps into the role as the insurance group navigates a more competitive and consolidating East African market.
