Paul Arithi 
Dr.Martin Oduor Otieno,newly appointed Chaormn of Sanlam Allianz Holdings Plc Board
- Sanlam Allianz Announces Leadership Transition as Long-Serving Chairman Dr. John Simba Retires;
Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC has announced a significant leadership transition at its board level following the retirement of its long-serving Chairman, Dr. John P. N. Simba.
The insurer has appointed of Dr. Martin Oduor-Otieno as the new Chairman of the Board.
The changes, which took effect on June 4, 2026, mark the end of an era for the insurance and financial services group, as Dr. Simba concludes more than two decades of service on the Board and 24 years as Chairman.
Dr. Simba retires as Board Chairman and Non-Executive Director after a remarkable career characterized by strategic leadership, corporate governance excellence, and transformational growth within the organization.
A renowned legal practitioner and corporate leader, Dr. Simba has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s evolution over the years.
His professional career spans both public and private sector institutions, having served at the Attorney General’s Chambers, as Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (now Kenya Development Corporation),Executive Secretary of the Parastatal Reform Programme, and as a senior executive within Kenya’s financial sector.
Throughout his tenure at Sanlam Allianz, Dr. Simba guided the company through major milestones, including the rebranding journey from Pan Africa Insurance to Sanlam and later Sanlam Allianz.
He also oversaw key mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital-raising initiatives that strengthened the Group’s market position and financial stability.
His stewardship further extended to the successful relocation of the Group’s headquarters to Sanlam Allianz Tower in Nairobi and the implementation of critical governance and leadership succession initiatives.
Dr. Simba currently serves as Chairman of Bamburi Cement PLC and Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya Limited and is widely respected for his contribution to corporate leadership in Kenya.
The Board, Management, and staff of Sanlam Allianz expressed their gratitude for his dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the organization’s growth and success.
Succeeding Dr. Simba is Dr. Martin Oduor-Otieno, a respected business leader, governance expert, and executive coach with extensive experience across the corporate and financial sectors.
The Board described his appointment as a strategic move that positions the company for continued growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape.
Dr.Oduor-Otieno is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Leadership Group Limited and holds an honorary Doctor of Business Leadership degree from KCA University.
He also possesses an Executive MBA from ESAMI/Maastricht School of Management and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi(UoN).
His professional credentials include advanced executive training from Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme and memberships in several professional bodies, including the Kenya Institute of Bankers(KBA), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Institute of Directors Kenya(IODKenya), and the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya(ICS).
He is also a Professional Certified Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
Dr. Oduor-Otieno currently serves as Group Chairman of East African Breweries PLC (EABL), a Non-Executive Director of BAT Kenya PLC, a Director of the Africa Nenda Foundation, and Chancellor of KCA University.
In recognition of his contributions to national development, he was awarded the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), one of Kenya’s highest state honours.
The appointment of Dr. Oduor-Otieno signals a new chapter for Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC as the company seeks to build on its strong governance foundation and accelerate its growth strategy within Kenya’s competitive insurance and financial services sector
The Board expressed confidence that his extensive leadership experience, strategic insight, and proven track record in corporate governance will help steer the company through its next phase of growth while maintaining the values and legacy established under Dr. Simba’s leadership.
Sanlam Allianz remains one of Kenya’s leading insurance and financial services groups, serving individuals,businesses, and institutions through a broad portfolio of insurance, investment, and financial protection solutions.
