By Prudence Minayo
George Odundo was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in January 2015, effective March 1st, 2015. He had more than twenty years experience working in the financial sector. He took over from Peter Mwangi who had served for two 3-year terms. The board was confident that his knowledge and expertise would be instrumental in driving the strategic plan of NSE.
“I am very confident that the future of the NSE as a key driver of Kenya’s economy is very bright as we deepen the current products and diversify into new product offerings,” Mr Odundo was quoted by Capital FM.
Here is his career journey as told by WoK.
Education
He has a BA in Maths and Economics from Egerton University. The NSE CEO underwent an Advanced Management Program at Strathmore University and has a Master of Business Administration from the United States International University- Africa.
Career
The experienced investment banker worked for more than 15 years in capital markets taking various roles from asset management, corporate finance to stock broking.
Prior to joining NSE, he worked as the CEO of Kingdom Securities Limited from mid 2009. He is credited with leading Kingdom Securities Limited to becoming one of the leading trade participants at the NSE. He has also played a pivotal role in key listings at the NSE and other corporate finance transactions.
Since 2012, he has served as a Non Executive Director of the NSE representing trading participants. He also served as the chairman of NSE Technology Committee and a member of the NSE Finance and Manpower Committee and the NSE Listings and Admissions Committee.
The USIU alumnus was involved in the process of establishing Co-op trust Investment Services and Co-op Consultancy Services Limited. He also worked as a director and secretary of the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Bank (KASIB). In this capacity, he helped improve the service delivery and standards on the operation of Capital Markets Intermediaries.
The CEO was supposed to exit NSE on February 28th, 2023, after completing his two 4-year terms. However, his contract was extended for one more year for the purpose of maintaining continuity as the board seeks a suitable replacement.
Memberships
Mr. Odundo has served, and still serves in various boards including:
- Vice chairman of the REITS Association of Kenya (RAK)
- Member of the working committee of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE)
- Director of the East African Securities Exchanges Association
- Member of the Central Bank Consolidative Forum for Domestic Debt Market (CFDDM)
- Council Member of the Institute of Certified Investment Financial Analysts (ICIFA)
- Member of the Thomson Reuters Africa Customer Advisory Network
- Member of the St. Paul’s University Chapel Lectors Group
He also became an independent director of the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation Limited representing NSE plc, a director of the NSE Clear Limited, and a trustee of the NSE Fidelity Funds.
The NSE CEO also founded an organization to help the less fortunate called Ame Foundation.