Catherine Igathe is a Kenyan business executive, who is currently the managing director and chief executive officer of AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited. She boasts over 20 years of experience in the corporate world and also sits on the board of Centum Investment Company Limited.
Catherine is the wife of former Nairobi County Deputy Governor and aspiring governor, Polycarp Igathe.
She previously served as the CEO at Jubilee General Insurance Kenya (now Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Ltd). Here is her story as told by WoK.
Background & Education
Catherine Igathe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the United States International University (USIU). She is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program from Strathmore Business School in Nairobi and IESE Business School in Spain.
Career
Mrs Igathe boasts about 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked for some of the leading insurance companies in Kenya.
AIG Insurance Kenya appointed Catherine as the CEO and Managing Director in July 2015. Prior to that, she had served in the role for a couple of months on an acting capacity following the exit of Japh Olende who had served as the AIG head for 19 years.
She had also served as AIG’s general manager in charge of distribution prior to the promotion.
Catherine took the reigns at AIG at a time when insurers in the country were fighting to comply to steeper financial requirements under the risk-based capital model.
She was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in September 2016 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Risk Committee and as a member of the Finance & Investment Committee and Audit Committee.
Catherine Igathe also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of GenAfrica Asset Managers Limited.
Family
She is married to Azimio La Umoja – One Kenya Alliance coalition party Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Polycarp Igathe. Together they have three children, a son and two daughters.
The corporate guru turned politician is on record professing his love for his wife, and notes that apart from being married, they are friends.
“She remains the love of my life. I introduce her as “my life” and so making sure that I spend time with her is paramount, which means no late evening meetings. I say no to those. The word ‘no’ is my friend.”
Igathe to date remains ecstatic and appreciative of their union, and appreciates his wife with every opportunity.
“I bought her a brand new car, and taken her along to dream trips and hey, I have given her three fantastic babies! Come on. I think giving her babies is the most fantastic thing I have done for her.”
As a husband and father, the politician’s greatest fear is letting down his family.
“Look, I’m very clear on the roles I have served in as a CEO. When I read my letter, it says I have been appointed to the role, so it’s a role I’m playing. The reality is that I’m a father who must provide and care and protect and nurture, and I’m a husband who swore in public to love and hold till death does us part. I will not fail in that.”
