Standard Group picks acting CEO as Shollei exits

Mr. Sam Shollei

Mr Sam Shollei has resigned as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Group, after five years at the helm of the media house.

Board Chairman Robin Sewell, while announcing Mr Shollei’s exit, said Mr Orlando Lyomu would act in the position pending the appointment of a substantive CEO. Mr Lyomu has been the Group Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer.

“The board would like to thank Mr Shollei for his great efforts as group CEO since September 20, 2012, when he joined the Standard Group Plc and guided the group through some very challenging times and putting the business into its current strong position,” Mr Sewell said in a notice to staff.

A copy of the notification was sent to the Nairobi Securities Exchange, where the company’s shares are listed.

The Standard Group, the owners of the Standard and Nairobian newspapers, also runs television station KTN, Radio Maisha, advertising firm Think Outdoor and Standard Digital.

Second largest

During Shollei’s tenure, new products have been introduced including the country’s only 24-hour news channel, KTN News, currently ranked as the second-largest television channel by viewership.

Mr Sewell acknowledged his achievements, adding: “We wish Mr Shollei every success in his future endeavours and express our full confidence that Mr Lyomu will provide the necessary guidance and stability for the group pending the appointment of a substantive chief executive.”