Andreas von Paleske succeeds David Kimani as Naivas CEO
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 7, 2025Naivas Supermarkets has announced a leadership change as the company prepares to mark its 35th anniversary.
Andreas von Paleske, currently Chief of Strategy, will take over as Chief Executive Officer from David Kimani on November 1, 2025.
Von Paleske has worked at Naivas for eight years and has played a key role in shaping the retailer’s strategy during a period of rapid expansion. Together with Kimani, he oversaw the growth of Naivas to more than 100 stores, making it Kenya’s largest supermarket chain by both footprint and retail value.
Kimani, a founding member of Naivas, has led the company since its early years. Under his leadership, Naivas grew from a small family business into a national retail powerhouse.
Kimani managed the opening of new stores across the country and strengthened the company’s operations and supply chains. He will step down as CEO but will remain actively involved in the business alongside senior leaders, including Peter and Charles Mukuha, as well as members of the Mukuha family.
“Having achieved several landmark milestones and with a strong leadership team in place, I could not think of a better opportunity than our 35-year anniversary to pass on the baton to Andreas,” Kimani said.
Future growth
Naivas International Chairman Arnaud Lagesse praised Kimani’s leadership, saying he played a central role in building one of Kenya’s most successful corporate stories. He also expressed confidence in von Paleske’s appointment, noting that it ensures continuity and positions the company for its next phase of growth.
Before joining Naivas, von Paleske held senior roles at private equity firms Lion Capital, Africa Platform Capital, and Actis. He has more than 25 years of experience in investment, operations, and strategic development in the consumer and retail sectors.
Naivas was founded by Peter Mukuha Kago and has grown steadily over the past three decades. The company took advantage of gaps left by the collapse of older chains, such as Nakumatt and Tuskys, to expand its presence nationwide.