Cheki CEO wins Ernst & Young award

One Africa Media (OAM) Chief Executive Justin Clarke has won in the emerging category at the prestigious Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards, 2014. The firm owns Cheki Kenya, Brighter Monday and BuyRent Kenya.

The award means Clarke’s peers have acknowledged his contribution to the African economy and the role he has played in founding the Private Property brand, which is now considered Africa’s premier online portal. “This is an honour, particularly given the number of entrepreneurs across Africa, but it also affords the opportunity to showcase the holding company namely OAM. While people know about the individual brands, few realise they fall under the same umbrella or that we are even an African company,” said Clarke.

OAM’s businesses employ more than 600 people in three hubs: Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with satellite offices in Ghana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

The Ernst & Young award programme recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Previous African winners include Equity Bank Chief Executive James Mwangi, who took the 2012 global title, and the late Bill Lynch of Imperial Holdings, South Africa.