Farmer’s Choice Limited (FCL), a leading company in the pork products industry, has announced a major leadership change.
After more than four decades at the helm, James Taylor has stepped down as CEO, marking the end of an era for the company.
His successor, Felisters Gitau, takes over the reins with a clear mandate to spearhead the company’s expansion plans across Africa and beyond.
While Taylor’s tenure has come to a close, the company has assured that he will remain involved in its future plans.
In his new role, she will provide “strategic counsel” to the board of directors and oversee key special projects that are critical to the company’s continued growth.
Commenting on the new appointment, Galeb Gulam, a director at Farmer’s Choice, highlighted Gitau’s deep knowledge of the business and her ability to adapt to an ever-changing industry.
“She brings a deep understanding of FCL’s business landscape, along with an agile approach to driving growth in an ever-evolving industry.
“Her extensive background in strategy, consumer excellence, finance, commercial management, and marketing has consistently demonstrated her ability to deliver results that push boundaries and unlock new opportunities for the business,” he said.
Gitau, who has been with Farmer’s Choice since 2022 as the Deputy Managing Director for the commercial division, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
With a Bachelor of Commerce from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and an MBA from the University of Nairobi, she is well-positioned to lead the company through its next phase of growth.
A key focus for Gitau will be the automation of processes, as well as expanding the firm’s production capacity from its current 21,000 metric tonnes of meat annually.
Farmer’s Choice has long been a dominant player in Kenya’s pork product market, supplying a wide array of goods to retailers and small-scale traders.
The company’s growth has extended beyond the local market, with products now reaching countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zanzibar.
They also have presence in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain.
Under Taylor’s leadership, Farmer’s Choice diversified its product offerings beyond pork to include beef, lamb, chicken, and fish.
The company also operates an export-licensed slaughterhouse in Kahawa West, Nairobi, along the Thika Superhighway, further solidifying its role in Kenya’s food processing sector.