Naivas Supermarkets, Kenya’s largest retail chain, has appointed Andreas von Paleske as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking the first time a non-family executive will lead the company. He succeeds founder David Kimani, who steps down after 35 years.

• Andreas von Paleske joined Naivas in 2017 as Chief Strategy Officer, a role he held for eight years.
• The appointment is part of a long-term succession plan focused on stability and institutional growth for the retailer, which transformed from a small family-run store in Nakuru, founded in 1990.
• The Mukuha family retains a majority shareholding, and David Kimani will remain engaged as a board adviser.