Following his appointment as the new Safaricom Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Peter Ndegwa received an elating message from his wife Jeminah Ndegwa.
Just after the Safaricom Board named him as the first Kenyan CEO of the company, Mrs Ndegwa penned a heartwarming letter for her husband congratulating him on the appointment. She commended him for his endurance as she expressed confidence that he will deliver in his new role.
“My dear, you always tell me that there is no short-cut to ‘real’ and ‘lasting’ success. Your appointment is proof that hard-work, commitment and integrity pay off,” she acclaimed him, adding that it is his commitment and determination to do great that sets him apart.
“I have experienced first-hand the long hours and your commitment to self and others to achieve great things. You have taken risks – going to challenging markets but the experience you have gained, sets you apart. I know, just as has been the case, integrity and humility will continue to be your trademark in this new role.”
Mrs Ndegwa also took the moment to assure him of the family’s support and prayers. “We, your family, will continue to support you and pray for you. For exaltation does not come from the East, the West or the South, but from God.” She added.
Understanding, supportive wife
During a past interview in 2015, Mr Ndegwa-showered his wife with praises for being understanding and supportive not only of his career but also his commitment to be there for the family.
“I committed to be present for my family. I never leave my family when I move jobs, I travel with them.” He revealed in his interview with Business Daily, adding that his wife has had to make huge sacrifices as his work required him to move around the world from time to time.
“She has had to sacrifice a part of her own career as a marketer to raise our son,” he said.
Though much is not known about the lovely couple, they are blessed with a 10-year-old child, Ryan.
Newly appointed Safaricom CEO
Mr Ndegwa, who will officially take over as Safaricom CEO on 1st April 2020, is joining the telco giant from global leader in alcoholic beverages Diageo PLC where he has been working as the Managing Director Continental Europe. In the role, he oversees the operations of the company in over 50 countries across Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
He previously worked as the Group Strategy Director of East Africa Breweries limited (EABL) before moving to West Africa as the CEO of Guinness Nigeria PLC and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC.