The Multi-Billion Empire Controlled by Villa Rosa Kempinski Owner Adil Popat
Adil Popat is one of the wealthiest and most renowned businessmen in Kenya. He is the executive chairman of Simba Corporation, a multi-billion conglomerate with major stakes in Kenya’s motor vehicle, financial services, engineering, hospitality, and real estate industries.
Popat inherited Simba Corp from his father Abdul Karim Popat and has since diversified its portfolio behind its original motor business.
Adil Popat, who holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and an MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, has transformed Simba Corp into a Kenyan economic powerhouse.
In this article, WoK explores the vast Simba Corp portfolio, listing companies owned by the billionaire philanthropist and their sectors of trade.
- Simba Corp
The company was founded in 1948 by the late Abdul Karim Popat as a modest used-car selling enterprise but has since grown into a large integrated multi-sector business services group representing international vehicle brands and franchises in Kenya.
Adil took over the reins of the company in 2007 and served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) before he rose to the position of the Executive Group Chair in 2017, four years after his father’s death.
According to a report by the Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC)’s Kenya Family Business Survey of 2018, the company had morphed into one with an annual turnover of Ksh10 billion and employed over 1300 people as of the time.
“Since 2007, Simba Corporation has experienced great change and diversification. The group grew its auto dealership portfolio with the introduction of BMW, Mahindra, and Renault franchises as well as a separate division, Africa Fleet Management,” the report reads.
2. Simba Colt Motors
The conglomerate’s vehicle distribution and leasing business works with major motor vehicle companies such as BMW, Mitsubishi, Renault, and Mahindra in Kenya.
3. Simba Corp Hospitality
The conglomerate’s hospitality wing manages the Olare Mara Kempinski in the Maasai Mara reserve, Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, and Simba’s own branded hotel, the Acacia Premier in Kisumu.
4. Simba Foundation
Popat is also involved in philanthropic works, focusing on enhancing education, health care, and disaster management for communities around Simba Corporation.
5. Hemingways Holdings
The astute businessman acquired a 35 per cent stake in hospitality giant Hemingways Holdings, which is the parent company for three iconic establishments; Hemingways Watamu, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, and Hemingways Nairobi.
6. Simba Corp Real Estate
Simba Corp has an impressive portfolio of both developed and undeveloped properties all around the country.
