I take businesses from where they are to where they should be.

I take businesses from where they are to where they should be.

Fifteen years of turning financial services businesses around, building strategies that hold, and opening doors for the leaders coming behind me.

Fifteen years of turning financial services businesses around, building strategies that hold, and opening doors for the leaders coming behind me.

woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

The Impact

15+ years of turning strategy into growth, transformation and measurable

results across African financial services.

15+ years of turning strategy into growth, transformation and measurable results across African financial services.

0+Years of experienceStrategy, transformation and execution across financial services.
#0 → #0Market positionLed the strategic agenda that moved the Kenya insurance business to market leadership.
0%YoY growthDelivered during the Rwanda business turnaround.
0%GWP growthDelivered through the Truck Sure product transformation, reaching KES 450M GWP.
0East African marketsBuilding strategy capability and mentoring teams across the region.
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

Strategy is not a document you put on a shelf. It is a culture you embed in people.

Strategy is not a document you put on a shelf. It is a culture you embed in people.

I have spent fifteen years inside financial services businesses at the moments that matter most, when a business needs to turn around, when a new market needs to be entered, when a team needs to believe they can get from where they are to somewhere no one has taken them before.

I am currently Group Head of Strategy for Old Mutual East Africa, leading the regional roadmap behind the 6X by 2030 ambition. I sit on the boards of Mt. Kenya Trust, Muthaiga Golf Club, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Youth Welfare Board, and Project Girls4Girls.

I advise business leaders navigating growth, transformation and strategic change, from CEOs and founders to investors and boards. My experience spans financial services, fintech and insurtech across Africa, with a particular focus on turning strategic ambition into action.

I have spent fifteen years inside financial services businesses at the moments that matter most, when a business needs to turn around, when a new market needs to be entered, when a team needs to believe they can get from where they are to somewhere no one has taken them before.

I am currently Group Head of Strategy for Old Mutual East Africa, leading the regional roadmap behind the 6X by 2030 ambition. I sit on the boards of Mt. Kenya Trust, Muthaiga Golf Club, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Youth Welfare Board, and Project Girls4Girls.

I advise business leaders navigating growth, transformation and strategic change, from CEOs and founders to investors and boards. My experience spans financial services, fintech and insurtech across Africa, with a particular focus on turning strategic ambition into action.

What I bring to the table.

What I bring to the table.

Lead.

I turn strategy into action.

I bring clarity to complex strategic questions, create alignment around what matters most and take ownership for moving the organisation from intent to execution.

Leadership DNA:
Action-oriented. Clear. Accountable

Direct and advise.

I help leaders navigate what comes next.

I advise on growth, transformation, market entry, business performance and strategic decisions, bringing the perspective and experience needed to make complex choices with confidence.

Focus:
Strategy . Transformation. Growth . Governance .

Mentor.

I build the people who carry the strategy forward.

I invest in developing leaders and teams, helping them build the confidence, clarity and capability to lead well and deliver results.

Focus:
People. Leadership. Mentorship.

Mission Leadership Discipline

Strategy only creates value when people know what to do next.

Mission Leadership Discipline is the strategy execution discipline I use to translate strategic intent into clear priorities, accountability and action across an organisation.


woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

Strategy is only as strong as the leadership behind it.

Strategy is only as strong as the leadership behind it.

My approach is grounded in clarity, action and accountability. I bring the experience to see the bigger picture, the simplicity to make it understandable, and the drive to turn decisions into action.

My approach is grounded in clarity, action and accountability. I bring the experience to see the bigger picture, the simplicity to make it understandable, and the drive to turn decisions into action.

01: Action-oriented

I move from discussion to decision, and from decision to action.

02: Clarity

I simplify complexity so people understand what matters, why it matters and what needs to happen next.

03: Influence

I bring people with me, creating alignment, trust and the momentum needed to move an organisation forward.

04: Accountability

I take ownership of outcomes and create the discipline required to turn strategy into execution.

What I Help Leaders Navigate

What I Help Leaders Navigate

01. Corporate Strategy

Defining where the business needs to go and what it will take to get there.

02. Business Transformation

Moving businesses from their current state to where they need to be.

03. Growth & Market Entry

Identifying and executing opportunities for sustainable growth and expansion.

04: Strategy Execution

Turning strategic priorities into clear action, accountability and measurable results.

05: Board & Executive Advisory

Helping leaders and boards navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence.

woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer
woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

I do not believe a leader is only their job title. The rest of who I am shapes how I lead.

Golf.

Golf gives me space to reset, stay present and enjoy the challenge of continuous improvement. It reminds me that leadership, like the game, requires patience, perspective and thoughtful decisions.

Conservation.

My involvement in conservation reflects my belief in protecting the places, communities and natural resources that sustain future generations. It keeps me connected to a purpose beyond business and professional achievement.

Mentorship

Mentorship allows me to invest in people, share what I have learned and help emerging leaders build confidence and capability. For me, leadership is also about creating opportunities for others to grow and lead.

Where I serve beyond the day job.

Mt. Kenya Trust

Board Member · Outreach, Stakeholder Engagement and Projects

Project Girls4Girls

Global Strategy and Fundraising Board

Muthaiga Golf Club

Board Committee · Audit, Risk and Governance

Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Youth Welfare

Board Member

Int'l Association for Strategy Professionals

Member

Institute of Directors, Kenya

Member

Project Management Institute

Member

Women on Board Network

Member

Let's have a conversation.

Whether you're navigating a strategic decision, leading a transformation or exploring what's next for your organisation, I'd be glad to connect.

Email:

mary.mbataru@gmail.com

Linkedin:

linkedin.com/in/mary-mbataru

woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

Let's have a conversation.

Whether you're navigating a strategic decision, leading a transformation or exploring what's next for your organisation, I'd be glad to connect.

Email:

mary.mbataru@gmail.com

Linkedin:

linkedin.com/in/mary-mbataru

woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer

Let's have a conversation.

Whether you're navigating a strategic decision, leading a transformation or exploring what's next for your organisation, I'd be glad to connect.

Email:

mary.mbataru@gmail.com

Linkedin:

linkedin.com/in/mary-mbataru

woman in beige, gray, and red sweater holding silver tablet computer