Kenya Airways marketing boss resigns

Kenya Airways’ top management is set for further changes following the exit of Marketing Director Chris Diaz.

Mr Diaz, who has served in the role for the last four years, is expected to leave the airline in mid-March.

His resignation comes at a time Kenya Airways Managing Director Mbuvi Nguze is also set to exit by the end of the month.

The last six months have seen both political and internal clamor, especially from the pilots union, for a reorganization of the airline’s C-Suit.

Senior managers who have since the airline include Human Resource Director Alban Mwendar, Finance Director Alex Mbugua, Director Corporate Quality, Safety, Security and Environment Alex Avedi and Captain Paul Mwangi who was dropped as Director for Flight Operations but remains a Kenya Airways pilot.

Mr Diaz’s exit has led to a reorganization of the Commercial and Marketing departments.

A memo sent to Kenya Airways Employees on Friday by Mr Ngunze indicated the changes that will see a number of smaller departments merged.

“As a result of Chris’ upcoming move, I decided to reorganize marketing in two parts: Corporate Communication, CSR, events and sponsorship will be combined with government and industry affairs and will be led by a head of external affairs, regulatory and communication reporting to me,” Mr Nguze said.

Following the changes, corporate brand, advertising, and field marketing, as well as CRM and customer relations managers will report to commercial director Vincent Coste.

Kenya Airways Chairman Michal Joseph last week indicated interviews for candidates to replace Mr Nguze were still ongoing.