Abderahmane BERTHÉ

Secretary General, AFRAA

Mr. Berthé was the CEO of Air Mali and Air Burkina. He has 35 years of experience in the airline industry and a total of 16 years as an airline CEO. Mr. Berthé’s career is a testament to his adaptability and versatility, with a global impact. He has worked in various airlines and multicultural environments, spanning Europe and Africa. His diverse positions in aircraft performance and dispatch engineering, maintenance and operations quality, ground operations, and Chief Executive Officer have left significant expertise in the industry.

Allan Kilavuka

MD & CEO, Kenya Airways PLC

Allan Kilavuka serves as the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways Plc and holds non- executive board positions in its subsidiaries, Jambojet and Precision Air. With over 23 years of leadership and management experience, Allan is highly experienced in initiating and managing organizations, facilitating change, financial planning, integration, process improvement, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Before joining KQ, Allan played a pivotal role in the turnaround of GE Power Services Africa and GE Industrial Solutions, based in South Africa. .

Corrin Higgs

Corrin Higgs is a distinguished professional in the aviation industry. Corrin Higgs joined Airbus in the UK in 1997 as an engineer, subsequently working from France and Dubai. In various marketing and product development roles he has shared the voice of diverse airline customers within the company. Specialised in aviation sustainability, Corrin collaborates with airlines on the solutions to the decarbonisation challenge.

Nozibusiso Sibiya

CEO, Laeteon Wealth Management Services & Area Head of Procurement - Eastern Africa at A.P. Moller - Maersk

Nozibusiso Sibiya is a well-rounded logistics professional with over 12 years of cross-functional experience in increasingly accountable roles. Her expertise spans multiple geographies including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia, providing a unique insight into regional supply chains from cost, service, risk, sustainability, and IT perspectives. Throughout her career, Nozibusiso has developed commendable skills by working in various roles across Sales, Business Control, Operations, Management, and Procurement. Her master class will offer attendees a comprehensive understanding of logistics and supply chain management in the context of the aviation industry, drawing from her extensive experience in the field.

Dr. Mugambi G. K. M'Nchebere

BCOM, MBA, Ph.D, PGD- ECAM

Dr. Mugambi G. K. M'Nchebere is a highly accomplished academic and professional with extensive qualifications in business and management. With a Ph.D. and multiple advanced degrees, Dr. M'Nchebere brings a wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical insights to the panel. His expertise in economics and aviation management will provide valuable perspectives on the industry's current challenges and future directions.

Fred Kitunga

Chief Information & Data Officer, Kenya Airways Plc

Fred Kitunga serves as the Chief Information & Data Officer at Kenya Airways Plc, one of Africa's leading airlines. With his extensive experience in information technology and data management within the aviation sector, Fred brings crucial insights into how technology and data are shaping the future of air travel. His expertise in leveraging data for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency will provide valuable perspectives on the digital transformation of the aviation industry.

Neddy Munyasi

Energy and Transport Segment Lead , Safaricom.

Neddy Munyasi is a dynamic business leader with over 15 years of experience driving enterprise growth and innovation. She specializes in digital transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and deliver scalable solutions. As the Segment Lead for Energy and Transport at Safaricom Enterprise, Neddy has spearheaded high-impact projects, including cloud-hosted parking payment systems and IoT-enabled green energy solutions that have impacted over 500,000 households , transforming industries and improving lives. Her expertise in strategy, C-Level relationship management, and execution has consistently delivered strong revenue results and positioned Safaricom as a technology leader. Neddy is also recognized for her leadership in the Smart City Concept, bringing innovation to some of East Africa’s largest developments. A holder of prestigious accolades, she embodies a forward-thinking approach to business and leadership. Beyond work, Neddy is a devoted family person who enjoys traveling and fashion.

William Warbington

Director Alliance Innovation Strategy – Skyteam

William brings over 20 years of experience working on travel technology challenges with over 40 airlines from around the world including 14 years through Amadeus in both Europe and Asia Pacific, and now with SkyTeam as of 2022. William has a passion for the innovation ecosystem and has worked with a variety of startups, accelerators, VCs, and corporates in their search of the elusive product market fit & nascent unicorns. Originally hailing from the USA, he has lived in France and Singapore, and currently resides in the Netherlands.

Bryan Ngige Nyutu

Principal Officer and Insurance Portfolio Lead

Bryan is an insurance risk expert with 14+ years of experience in developing innovative products to boost insurance penetration across diverse African markets. Passionate about improving lives through insurance, he focuses on using technology to make solutions accessible to underserved communities. He has launched groundbreaking products, forged strategic partnerships, and implemented digital strategies expanding access to insurance for underserved markets. Bryan has held leadership roles in several organizations. As former Head of Insurance - Rest of Africa at Zamara Group, he led growth in Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, and Rwanda, driving digital innovation. At Turaco, a micro-insurance and insuretech company, he was Principal Officer and General Manager, Kenya, increasing insurance access for low-income earners through fintech partnerships. Currently, Bryan is Principal Officer and Insurance Portfolio Lead at Safaricom PLC, overseeing the company's insurance strategy, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric solutions.

Yvette Ondachi

East Africa Regional Director at Sinapis Group

She is currently the East Africa Regional Director of Sales & Strategic Partnerships at Sinapis where she focuses on strengthening the customer experience and partnership development function in order to equip entrepreneurs in the African Continent. As an entrepreneur herself, she is the founder and currently a non-executive director of Ojay Greene- a high impact, tech enabled agribusiness that is working to increase financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in Kenya through value addition and international trade. Her approach has been to address the most pressing challenges She has collaborated with global development leaders like USAID, GIZ, SNV, and World Vision and has had her work featured in major publications. Her passion is playing an active role in equipping entrepreneurs to thrive and build lasting businesses that address the challenges of unemployment in the African continent while integrating their faith to their businesses.

Mr. Duncan Oduor Otieno

COO, Bleriot SAF Ltd

Mr. Duncan Oduor Otieno is the COO at Bleriot SAF Ltd, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel. He manages operations, financial planning, budgeting, and strategic growth, while leading teams in Finance, Sales, Human Capital, and compliance. An experienced entrepreneur, his interests cover Financial Services, Private Equity, ICT, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Charitable Activities. He holds directorships in companies like The SPH Group and Rising Petroleum. He also founded MobiKash Africa, once the second-largest mobile money service, before exiting in 2013. With 16+ years in banking, Mr. Otieno's expertise spans Private Banking, Microfinance, Payments, Risk Management, and Strategic Management. He holds an MBA, BSc. in Finance, and is pursuing a PhD, with certifications in CPA, OCP, and CSIA.

Grace Vihenda

Manager Innovation & Sustainability, KQ

Grace currently heads Innovation and Sustainability at Kenya Airways and has held previous roles in the company in Transformation, Strategy, Operational Excellence, and Engineering. Grace is also a Strategic Advisor to the SkyTeam Innovation Future Lab. Additionally, she sits on the board of Fahari Aviation Ltd., a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, as a Non-Executive Director. In 2020, Grace co-founded the Kenya Airways Fahari Innovation Hub, the first aviation innovation hub in Africa, which offers incubation and acceleration services. Her efforts have been recognized with various awards, including the Skyteam and Tower Awards for 'Best Innovation', 'Most Impactful Breakthrough on SAF', and 'Sustainability Initiative'. Grace has also received the CIO Africa Award for Women in Tech Leadership and recognition from the SOMA Awards as one of the Top 25 Women in Digital.

Martin Kibisu

Associate Director of Acceleration & Advisory

Martin is a seasoned business and organizational strategist with over 13 years of experience working with a major Kenyan international company, including leading its innovation hub. Martin is passionate about innovation and co-creation with the start-up/SME ecosystems as a practical and mutually beneficial way of solving existing and emerging business challenges. He has mentored and coached start-ups to build sustainable business models. He believes in pushing boundaries and that impossible is only a figment of our imagination.

Maureen Kahonge

Senior Manager Business Development & Communications African Airlines Association (AFRAA)

Maureen is an aviation enthusiast with close to a decade and half of aviation experience at the African Airlines Association – AFRAA, the leading trade Association of African airlines. She has coordinated various initiatives that facilitate beneficial cooperation among African airlines and with the view to adopt and implement cost-effective common solutions to address market needs. She is a holder of a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree in Business Administration and French from Kenyatta University and a master's in business administration strategic management and finance at the United States International University, Kenya. She is a Member of the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK), a Kenyan in nationality and is fluent in French and English.

Susan Nambusi

Sustainability specialist

With over 13 years of experience in the aviation industry, Susan has developed a comprehensive understanding of aviation operations. Before her current role, she worked as a Jet Fuel Data Analyst and carbon emissions lead for five years, during which she developed strategies to optimize fuel consumption and led Kenya Airways through its first successful CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) verification. This was Kenya's first experience as a volunteer country under CORSIA, marking a milestone for the industry. Beyond her work at Kenya Airways, Susan’s influence extends to various aviation bodies. She serves as Vice Chair of the AFRAA Fuel Committee, Chair of the AFRAA Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Taskforce and is on the board of the Kenya Green Hydrogen Association. She also serves as an IATA advisor to ICAO's CAEP and was an observer at IATA’s Sustainability and Environment Advisory Council. Susan is also part of Kenya's National Steering Committee on SAF, driving favorable outcomes for the aviation sector.

Linda Okolo-Maruti

Sustainability & Disability Inclusion Ally & Champion

Linda Okolo-Maruti is a multifaceted professional with extensive experience in sustainability, disability inclusion, business development, and women’s empowerment. As a Purple Champion, she has spent over 2.5 years advocating for equality for disabled individuals in the workplace, fostering an inclusive environment where employees can thrive. With more than 10 years in business development and project management, Linda excels at driving growth and navigating complex initiatives. She also leverages her expertise in data analytics to inform strategic decisions. As a seasoned conference moderator with 6+ years of experience, she connects with diverse audiences to facilitate engaging discussions. Linda is the founder of Kipekee Women, an organization dedicated to empowering women through mentorship and advocacy, and co-founded Nafisika Trust. She also serves as a mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation, reflecting her deep commitment to positive change and empowerment.

Jan Henrik Bartscht

Founder & CEO of Leadapreneur

Jan Henrik Bartscht, founder and CEO of Leadapreneur, is an expert in innovation and transformation. He empowers individuals and teams to become autonomous digital innovators, achieving significant results like deploying over 145 innovation projects at DBS Bank, valued at over SGD 70 million. Jan helps organizations overcome disruption by equipping their talent with essential skills and mindsets for success in the age of AI through gamified innovation programs.

Willy Barnett

General Manager of Innovation at Delta Air Lines

Willy Barnett is a General Manager of Innovation at Delta Air Lines specializing in human-centered research and strategy that aims to enhance Delta’s customer and employee experience. His skills lie at the intersection of people, technology, and design; more specifically, he excels at exploring human behavior and identifying themes that positively impact experiences and wellbeing, typically through the use of technology. In his current role, Willy leads the design and research capability, which provides support for his team’s overall innovation initiatives. Willy holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and MBA from Georgia State University. During his time on the frontline, he studied abroad and earned his PhD in Management from the University of Manchester in England where his dissertation focused on the design of robotic service offerings for marginalized groups. Willy has a fervor for photography, and during his free time, he travels the world taking awesome and inspiring pictures of architecture, nature, and people.

Lina Mkoji

Advocate for sustainable tourism and aviation

Her diverse expertise spans hospitality, tourism, leadership, and project management. Lina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Kenyatta University in Nairobi and the European Master in Tourism Management, a joint program from the University of Southern Denmark, the University of Ljubljana, and the University of Girona. Currently,she is conducting research at KQ's Innovation & Sustainability Section for her second master’s degree in Sustainable Air Transport Management at the ITAerea Aeronautical Business School in Spain. Lina's achievements include being awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship in 2016-2018. She serves as a board member of the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), where she plays a pivotal role as the liaison for International Collaboration and Cooperation. Her dedication to youth empowerment and climate policy is reflected in her initiatives to boost the participation and influence of young people in creating climate solutions and promoting resilience within the tourism and aviation sectors.

Samuel Mbuthia Maina

Supply Chain Specialist

Samuel Mbuthia Maina, also known as MC Sam Sam, is a highly skilled Supplies Officer in the Kenya Airways Finance Department with a passion for hosting events. With a professional background as a corporate MC and event host, Samuel brings energy, charisma, and expertise to every occasion. His ability to engage and entertain diverse audiences has made him a sought-after figure in the industry. Beyond his professional duties in finance, Samuel thrives in creating memorable experiences, ensuring events run smoothly, and leaving guests with lasting impressions

Mark Muita

First Officer ( Embrea 190)

Mark is a dynamic professional who blends his expertise in aviation, customer service, and technology. With a Commercial Pilot's License and a degree in Computer Networks and Security, Mark leverages his unique skill set to explore the synergies between technology and aviation. Before his aviation career, Mark served as Sales Manager at Artcaffe Coffee and Bakery, a leading hospitality brand in Kenya. His innovative approach and commitment to exceptional customer service played a crucial role in driving the brand's growth, honing his business acumen and interpersonal skills. Currently, Mark is a First Officer flying the Embraer 190 for Kenya Airways. Outside the cockpit, he actively participates in the Kenya Airways Innovation Hub, while pursuing personal interests such as building computers and outdoor activities. As a proud member of the Aeroclub of East Africa, Mark mentors aspiring aviators, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation.