KENYA – Farmer’s Choice Limited has announced a pivotal leadership change, appointing Ms. Felisters Gitau Mutugu as its new Chief Executive Officer.
This transition follows the remarkable tenure of Mr. James Taylor, who has served as CEO since the 1980s and played a critical role in transforming Farmer’s Choice from a modest butchery into a leading regional meat producer.
Legacy of growth and transformation
James Taylor’s journey with Farmer’s Choice began in the 1980s when the company, initially established in 1965 as East Africa Meat Products Limited, was still a small enterprise.
Over his four-decade career, Mr. Taylor spearheaded the company’s evolution into a regional powerhouse known for its diverse product range, operational efficiency, and commitment to quality.
Under his leadership, Farmer’s Choice expanded its offerings from pork products to a wide variety of meats, including beef, lamb, chicken, and fish.
Household favorites such as sausages, bacon, and fresh meat cuts became synonymous with the brand.
Among his hallmark achievements was the establishment of Choice Meats in 2011, a Halal slaughter and butchery facility developed in partnership with Norway’s Nortura cooperative. This venture bolstered Farmer’s Choice’s position in local and international markets.
The company now operates a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse and processing facility in Kahawa West, Nairobi, equipped with advanced technology to uphold stringent standards of safety, hygiene, and taste.
Although stepping down as CEO, Mr. Taylor will remain actively involved in Farmer’s Choice, providing strategic guidance to the Board of Directors and managing special projects to ensure continuity.
Welcoming a New Era
The Board of Directors has expressed confidence in Ms. Felisters Gitau Mutugu’s leadership as the company’s new CEO.
Ms. Gitau, who has served as Deputy Managing Director—Commercial since 2022, brings over a decade of expertise in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
Her extensive background spans commercial strategy, operational excellence, and marketing.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Ms. Gitau is a member of the Steering Committee for Kenya’s Livestock Sector Transformation initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
She is also a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and social impact.
Ms. Gitau has outlined her immediate priorities for Farmer’s Choice, which include enhancing customer experiences, automating operational processes, and expanding the company’s production capacity and footprint both within Africa and beyond.
Leadership from within
The Board highlighted Ms. Gitau’s rise through the ranks as a testament to Farmer’s Choice’s commitment to nurturing talent internally.
“Having steadily risen through the ranks, Ms. Gitau embodies our commitment to fostering leadership from within. Her agile approach to growth in an ever-evolving industry, coupled with her extensive background in strategy, consumer excellence, and commercial management, positions her well to lead the company into the future,” said Galeb Gulam, Director of Farmer’s Choice, in a statement.
