The former Naivas Chief Commercial Officer Willy Kimani has launched his latest venture in the retail sector, introducing a new brand named Jaza.
The announcement comes after Kimani's seven-year tenure at Naivas, one of Kenya's prominent supermarket chains, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping the company's strategies.
Jaza has already made its mark on the retail landscape by opening stores in key locations, including Kayole, Buruburu, and Githurai 44.
The expansion plan doesn't stop there, as Kimani aims to extend the brand's presence to Gachie and Chokaa areas, showcasing his ambition to reach diverse consumer segments.
Willy Kimani boasts a rich history in the retail and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, having contributed significantly to several renowned brands such as Target Promotion Kenya, Tuskys, Naivas, and Uchumi Supermarkets.
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Kimani's journey began in 2001 at Target Promotion Kenya, where he assumed the role of trade supervisor while concurrently pursuing his university education.
Impressively, within 18 months, he ascended to the position of General Manager, showcasing his dedication and rapid progression.
Following his success at Target Promotion Kenya, Kimani joined Enkarasha Departmental Store as the Business Development Manager, a subsidiary of Tusker Mattresses Limited.
During his tenure, the store became the preferred destination for VIP dressing by State House, reflecting Kimani's knack for elevating brands.
In 2010, Kimani transitioned to Tuskys, formerly known as Tusker Mattresses, where he played a pivotal role in rebranding the company.
Under his guidance, Tuskys embraced the digital era, introducing innovative concepts such as hypermarkets and Chap Chap express stores.
October 2010 marked the beginning of Kimani's impactful journey at Naivas, where he assumed various roles in marketing, business development, IT, and supply chain.
His tenure saw the successful rebranding of Naivas from a Tier 3 supermarket to a leading brand, accompanied by a remarkable expansion of the store network from 9 to 36 stores.
In 2015, Kimani took on the challenge of reviving Uchumi Supermarkets as Chief Operations Officer before returning to Naivas in the same role.
As the senior-most non-family member at the family-owned supermarket, Kimani's influence was undeniable.
With the launch of Jaza, Willy Kimani continues to leave an indelible mark on the retail landscape.
His experience and strategic vision position Jaza as a promising addition to Kenya's vibrant retail sector, marking a fresh chapter in his illustrious career.