Maersk appoints Tito Okuku as Managing Director for Eastern Africa

EASTERN AFRICA – Maersk has named Tito Okuku as its new Managing Director for Eastern Africa, effective May 5, 2025. 

The appointment comes as the global logistics company continues to build its presence across Africa’s trade corridors, with a focus on improving customer supply chains and expanding regional partnerships.

A.P. Moller – Maersk is a global logistics company operating in nearly 130 countries and serving over 100,000 customers. The company employs more than 100,000 people globally and is focused on integrating logistics to simplify global supply chains.

In his new role, Okuku will lead Maersk’s commercial operations in Eastern Africa, overseeing business across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other neighboring countries. 

He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in logistics and supply chain management, with a career that includes managing cross-functional teams and spearheading operations in various African markets.

Okuku is not new to the Maersk ecosystem. He previously served as Managing Director of APM Terminals Kenya (Great Lakes Ports) in 2014, an affiliate of the Maersk Group. 

His return signals the company’s intent to strengthen leadership with individuals who understand both regional complexities and the company’s internal systems.

Announcing the appointment, Richard Morgan, Managing Director for Maersk – Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa, emphasized Okuku’s experience and regional understanding. 

He noted that Okuku’s background in strategy, warehousing, landside logistics, fleet oversight, and team development makes him well-positioned to steer the Eastern Africa business unit.

In a statement, Okuku expressed his readiness to work with teams and customers in the region, describing East Africa as a dynamic and diverse business environment. 

“I am honoured to rejoin Maersk and take on this important responsibility. East Africa is a dynamic and diverse region full of potential. I look forward to working closely with our teams and customers to deliver resilient, agile, and customer-focused supply chain solutions that enable trade and create shared growth,” he said.

Before rejoining Maersk, Okuku served as Managing Director for East Africa at DHL Supply Chain. 

During his time at DHL, he led several initiatives designed to modernize logistics operations in the region. 

One such project involved a collaboration with Scania to introduce a fleet of 25 Euro 5 biodiesel-powered trucks. The initiative aimed to enhance road transport efficiency and lower environmental impact across East African routes.

Earlier in his career, Okuku also held the position of Managing Director at Great Lakes Ports Limited, which operates under APM Terminals. During this tenure, he focused on improving operational safety, port logistics, and delivery timelines.

Maersk deepens investments in West Africa

Okuku’s appointment comes shortly after Maersk expanded its infrastructure footprint in Senegal. 

In April 2025, the company inaugurated a new warehouse in Dakar. Situated approximately 10 kilometers from key port and market zones, the facility aims to streamline goods movement within Senegal and neighboring countries.

The Dakar facility spans 5,100 square meters and provides over 7,000 pallet spaces, with an additional 500 square meters allocated for outdoor storage. 

According to Maersk West Africa Managing Director Thomas Theeuwes, the warehouse is part of the company’s long-term strategy to improve integrated logistics services across West Africa. 

The facility is designed to handle a range of products, from consumer goods to electronics, with proximity enabling faster turnaround times for customers.

Maersk has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with ongoing investments in alternative fuels, new vessels, and energy-efficient technologies.