BAT Kenya picks Crispin Achola as MD after Spencer resigns

Tobacco Manufacturer BAT Kenya has picked Crispin Achola as its new Managing Director replacing Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo effective from January 1, 2021.

Mrs. Spencer has resigned from the helm of the company ending a three year and seven months stint having held the position since May of 2017.

She is however expected to continue serving BAT in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

On his part, Crispin Achola is largely an insider at the manufacturer having worked for BAT from 1999 to 2017 holding senior roles within BAT Kenya and the Group including the Managing Director for Mozambique.

He has also served as the Cluster General Manager for Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe and Malawi and as the Managing Director for BAT Sudan.

In his latest assignment, Achola worked as the West, East and Central Africa General Manager for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

His qualifications closely mirror Beverly Spencer’s own path to BAT Kenya leadership as she too served senior roles in the Group including General Manager for BAT Egypt, Director for BAT West Africa and Area Director for BAT East and Central Africa.