Sanlam Allianz Names Martin Oduor-Otieno New Board Chairman as John Simba Retires
Martin Oduor-Otieno
Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC has announced changes to its board leadership, with Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno taking over as Chairman following the retirement of long-serving board chair Dr John P.N. Simba.
The changes took effect on June 4, 2026, according to a public announcement issued by the insurer and approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
Dr Simba retires as Board Chairman and Non-Executive Director after serving on the board for more than two decades. He was first appointed to the board in December 2001 and became chairman in March 2002.
During his tenure, he also served as a member of the Investment Committee and the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Sanlam Allianz described Dr Simba as a distinguished legal practitioner and corporate leader with extensive experience across both the public and private sectors.
He is the Senior Partner at Simba & Simba Advocates and a co-founder of Funguo Investments Plc. His previous leadership roles include service at the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (now Kenya Development Corporation), the Executive Secretariat of the Parastatal Reform Programme, and the National Bank of Kenya.
He has also served as Chairman of the Kenya Bankers Association, the Retirement Benefits Authority, the Federation of Kenya Employers and APA Insurance.
Currently, Dr Simba chairs Bamburi Cement Plc and Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya Limited.
The company credited him with steering several major corporate milestones, including the group’s transformation from Pan Africa Insurance to Sanlam and later to Sanlam Allianz following the integration of Allianz’s African operations with Sanlam.
He also played a key role in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures undertaken by the group over the years and recently oversaw a successful rights issue that strengthened the holding company’s capital position.
As a member of the Investment Committee, Dr Simba provided oversight during the construction and relocation of the group’s headquarters to Sanlam Allianz Tower in Westlands, Nairobi. Through the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, he also oversaw several executive leadership transitions.
For his contribution to national development, Dr Simba has been awarded the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH), Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) honours.
“The Board, Management, and the entire Sanlam Allianz family sincerely thank Dr. Simba for his distinguished service and invaluable contribution to the Group and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” the company said.
Taking over the leadership of the board is Dr Martin Oduor-Otieno, founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Leadership Group Limited.
Dr Oduor-Otieno brings extensive corporate governance and leadership experience to the role. He currently serves as Group Chairman of East African Breweries Plc (EABL), a Non-Executive Director at BAT Kenya PLC and Africa Nenda Foundation, and is Chancellor of KCA University.
In recognition of his contribution to national development, he was awarded the honour of Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) by the Head of State.
His academic credentials include an honorary Doctor of Business Leadership degree from KCA University, an Executive MBA from ESAMI/Maastricht School of Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.
He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme and a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Bankers, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, the Institute of Directors Kenya and the Institute of Certified Secretaries Kenya. In addition, he holds the International Coaching Federation credential as a Professional Certified Coach.
“The Board extends a warm welcome to Dr. Martin Oduor-Otieno and looks forward to his leadership and contribution as Chairman,” the company said.
The leadership transition comes as Sanlam Allianz continues to integrate operations and pursue growth opportunities across Kenya’s insurance and financial services sector.
