Rocket Internet-backed online retailer, Jumia Kenya is reshuffling its management again and today has reshuffled its MD Parinaz Firoz after she was hired two years ago to replace former directors Nick Miller and Oscar Bore who launched the firm from scratch.
Jumia has today named Sam Chappatte as Managing Director for its Kenyan operations. Prior to his appointment, Sam was managing Jumia’s New Countries, overseeing operations in six countries; Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal and Algeria.
Rocket Internet has that habit of replacing its managing execs every two years. Firozi is leaving the company after two years of service.
Outgoing MD Parinaz Firozi said, “It has been a hugely rewarding and exciting part of my life. It has taken a lot of energy, learning and enthusiasm to grow Jumia to where it is today, with incredible support from our customers and employees. I feel it’s a good time to handover to Sam, who will lead the company to its bright future.”
Chappatte’s new role will focus on building the company’s customer base, improving customer experience, and developing & recruiting Kenya’s top talent.
“We strongly believe that this is the beginning for e-commerce in Kenya. Kenyan consumers are increasingly connected. Increasingly want peace of mind on the quality of products they purchase. And therefore increasingly embracing e-commerce. Jumia has as a strong base in Kenya, but we have work to do in bringing new products to our customers & significantly improving their experience. I’m very lucky to have a great team to work alongside in the coming years to make this happen!”
The management change comes several months after Jumia secured an investment valuing it’s parent company Africa Internet Group at more than $1 billion, joining the exclusive list of global “Unicorns” (private start-ups valued at $1bn), and becoming Africa’s first (according to CBInsights).
