Farmer’s Choice Limited (FCL), East Africa’s leading integrated meat processor, has announced the appointment of Ms. Felisters Gitau Mutugu as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2024. Ms. Gitau succeeds Mr. James Taylor, whose tenure since the 1980s transformed the company from a small roadside butchery into the region’s premier meat processor.
During his over 40 years at the helm, Mr. Taylor’s leadership propelled FCL into a market leader known for its diverse product offerings, including signature sausages, fresh meat cuts, and an expanded range of delicatessen products.
Under his stewardship, the Farmers Choice not only solidified its local dominance but also established a global footprint, including the establishment of the Halal-certified Choice Meats Export facility in partnership with Norway’s Nortura cooperative.
Ms. Gitau, who joined Farmer’s Choice as Deputy Managing Director—Commercial in June 2022, brings over a decade of expertise in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. Prior to her tenure at FCL, Ms. Gitau held pivotal roles at CIC Insurance and advanced to Director of Sales and Marketing at Farmer’s Choice, contributing significantly to the company’s recent growth trajectory.
Ms. Gitau, a seasoned leader with a strong academic foundation, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), an MBA from the University of Nairobi, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is also a Senior Executive Program for Africa Fellow at Harvard Business School.
“She brings a deep understanding of FCL’s business landscape, along with an agile approach to driving growth in an ever-evolving industry. Her extensive background in strategy, consumer excellence, finance, commercial management, and marketing has consistently demonstrated her ability to deliver results that push boundaries and unlock new opportunities for the business.” said Galeb Gulam, Director of Farmer’s Choice, in a statement.
Ms. Gitau is notably passionate about advancing the regional meat industry, as she also serves on the Steering Committee for the Kenya Livestock Sector Transformation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. She is also an active supporter and contributor on several boards, where she champions women’s empowerment and lends her expertise to drive positive social impact.
As CEO, Ms. Gitau’s top priorities include improving customer experience, driving automation, increasing production capacity, and expanding the company’s footprint across Africa and beyond. Mr. Taylor will continue to be an integral part of the organization, offering strategic counsel to the Board of Directors and leading special projects critical to FCL’s long-term success.