Rachel Migwi Becomes First Woman To Lead Godrej East Africa Operations As Business Head
In what has been described as a ‘glass-ceiling smashing move’, Godrej has appointed marketing communications professional, Rachel Migwi as its East Africa Business Head/Managing Director, making her the first black person and the first woman to ever hold this position. Additionally, Migwi now stands as the only female business head in the entire Godrej Africa, USA, and Middle East region, marking a historic moment for her, the company and the broader business landscape.
Her appointment follows an extensive experience and exceptional leadership within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. Prior her recent elevation, she was previously the Category Lead for Haircare Godrej, overseeing operations across Africa, the USA, and the Middle East. Her deep expertise in sales, key account management, trade marketing, and brand management has positioned her as a leader capable of driving growth and innovation.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Rachel Migwi has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Before her role as Hair Fashion Category Lead, she held multiple leadership positions within Godrej Kenya, including Personal Care & Hygiene Category Marketing Manager, Head of Sales, and Marketing Manager for FMCG. Her ability to navigate complex markets and build high-performing teams has been a defining feature of her career.
Prior to joining Godrej, she spent nearly 12 years at Reckitt Benckiser, where she played a crucial role in shaping the success of brands like Dettol and Veet. Among her notable achievements was the implementation of strategic brand plans that propelled Dettol soap to become the number-one toilet soap brand in Kenya in 2009. She also spearheaded the launch of the first public-private partnership between Dettol and Kenya’s Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, an initiative that had a significant impact on public hygiene awareness in the country.
Her tenure at Reckitt Benckiser saw her garner multiple accolades, including the Best New Product Launch Award for Dettol Hand Sanitizer, conferred by the Marketing Society of Kenya, and the Best Sales Manager Award from Reckitt Benckiser EA Ltd.
As Business Head, Migwi is expected to lead Godrej Kenya into a new phase of expansion and innovation. Following her antecedents, industry observers are certain that with her extensive knowledge of the African market, she is well-positioned to drive growth strategies, strengthen consumer engagement, and reinforce the company’s presence in East Africa. Indeed, her leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing Godrej’s commitment to inclusivity, gender diversity, and empowerment in leadership roles.
Holding both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel Management from the United States International University – Africa, she has consistently demonstrated her strategic acumen and business expertise.
Her journey from a sales executive to the highest-ranking official in Godrej East Africa is indeed an inspiration to aspiring leaders, particularly women and young professionals seeking to make a mark in the corporate world.