Allan Kilavuka is a prominent Kenyan businessman serving as the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways since April 2020.
He previously held the same position at Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways.
With over 23 years of experience in leadership, he has a strong background in finance and operations, having worked at Deloitte and General Electric.
Education
Kilavuka holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.
He also obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool.
Additionally, Kilavuka has completed training in Executive Leadership, Advanced Management, and Financial Planning at the Crotonville Leadership Institute, which is associated with General Electric.
Career
Kilavuka began his professional journey at Deloitte East Africa, where he worked as an Audit and Assurance Manager from 2000 to 2005.
After leaving Deloitte, he joined General Electric (GE) in 2005, where he spent over a decade holding various leadership positions.
Notably, Kilavuka served as the Global Operations Leader for Africa, overseeing GE’s operations across the continent and focusing on efficiency and growth.
He also took on the role of Commercial Finance Leader, managing financial planning and analysis to ensure that the company’s financial strategies aligned with its operational goals.
In December 2018, Kilavuka was appointed as the CEO of Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, where he successfully expanded the airline’s route network and improved operational efficiencies.
In April 2020, he transitioned to a more prominent role as the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways.
His appointment came at a challenging time, as it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the aviation industry.
Faced with significant revenue losses and operational disruptions, Kilavuka implemented strategic initiatives to restructure the airline’s operations, reduce costs, and improve financial stability.
In addition to his responsibilities at Kenya Airways, Kilavuka was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
This role allows him to influence policy-making and strategic direction for airlines across Africa, promoting collaboration and growth within the aviation sector.
Awards and achievements
Kilavuka received several notable awards and achievements throughout his career.
In May 2024, he was honored with the African Aviation Leadership Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the aviation industry in Africa.
Under his stewardship, Kenya Airways has also been recognized for its achievements, including winning the Best Airline Staff Service in Africa at the 2024 World Airline Awards.
Additionally, the airline received awards for Best Innovation and Most Impactful Breakthrough for pioneering the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from Africa to Europe in October 2023.
