Naivas incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andreas Von Paleske has promised growing the retail giant stronger with greater quality and as they continue to offer fresh products at affordable prices; offering the right range of products.
From November, Andreas Von Paleske will officially take over as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding David Kimani, who has led Naivas through a remarkable period of growth, transformation, and professionalization. For Von Paleske, the transition is not about radical change but about strengthening a winning formula built over years of partnership and shared purpose.
“We will continue on the same path,” Von Paleske says with conviction.
“We pride ourselves in offering great value ‘Naivas saves you money’ which means great quality, fresh products at affordable prices, and ensuring we offer the right range of products.”
The Informer Media Group had a sit-down with the incoming CEO and here is what he promised as he takes over the leadership of the retailer end of the week:
From Growth to Maturity
Under Kimani’s leadership, Naivas transformed from a strong family business into a market-leading national retailer, now boasting 111 branches and employing thousands of Kenyans.
It has successfully navigated a competitive retail landscape that has seen the collapse or contraction of major players, emerging resilient and profitable.
Von Paleske, who has been part of that journey for eight years, understands both the company’s heritage and its ambitions.
His approach, he insists, is about continuity with purpose.
“We want to open stores in areas that are convenient for our customers. Convenience is really important,” he explains.
“But increasingly, it won’t just be about stores we are also building our online presence.”
That dual focus expanding physical accessibility while growing digital reach defines Naivas’ next chapter.
The company’s e-commerce ambitions, supported by its logistics and distribution strength, reflect the evolving shopping habits of Kenya’s increasingly digital consumers.
A Transition Years in the Making
Leadership changes at the top of successful companies can often spark speculation or uncertainty, Andreas explains that at Naivas, the transition was planned and deliberate.
He added that even as the outgoing CEO exits, he’ll still be available to mentor and guide him.
“This didn’t just happen yesterday it’s been in the works for a long time,” Von Paleske emphasized.
“That’s why I have been in the business for eight years. David and I will continue to work together, and of course he will continue to mentor me.”
He describes the move not as a moment of disruption, but as a natural evolution.
“We’re not making this change to enforce some transformation in the business quite the opposite. We feel we have a very solid platform right now and want to continue building on it. Strategically, we have the right people in the right places to allow us to grow the way we have been. The last thing I’d want to do is destabilize it and change course.”
According to Andreas, the steady-handed approach is what has helped Naivas weather the turbulence that has marked Kenya’s retail landscape in recent years.
“Where others faltered, Naivas doubled down on customer trust, operational efficiency, and consistency pillars that I aim to reinforce.”
Governance at the Core
The Naivas story is also one of governance evolution from a family-run enterprise to a professionally managed company with international investment and oversight.
With Mauritius-based IBL Group now a majority shareholder, Naivas’ governance structure has been strengthened by a blend of family members, independent directors, and corporate expertise.
“It was a board decision. We have strong governance. It’s not one person calling the shots. We have a strong board of qualified individual’s family members, IBL, and independent directors who help us make decisions. That is really powerful.”
He is quick to point out that his appointment is not a product of IBL’s involvement, but rather the result of careful succession planning and timing.
“In any business, over time, succession planning and transition of leadership are really important. David felt the timing was right to pass on the baton.”
This blend of continuity, structure, and inclusivity in decision-making has been key to maintaining Naivas’ culture even as it scales up.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Unlike many leadership transitions, Von Paleske’s explains that his appointment comes with a deep sense of familiarity and trust.
Having worked alongside Kimani for nearly a decade, he brings not just operational expertise, but an intimate understanding of Naivas’ DNA.
“If it was an outsider coming to Kenya for the first time, that would be very different,” he reflected.
“The advantage we have is the strength of our established partnership. Having worked alongside David for eight years, we’ve built deep mutual understanding and trust. This transition feels natural rather than disruptive it’s simply an evolution of a relationship that’s already proven and strong.”
That continuity is particularly crucial for a brand like Naivas, which has built its reputation on consistency from the shopping experience to the trust of suppliers, partners, and customers.
The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Andreas noted that the company is focused on balancing its traditional strengths in fresh food and affordability with modern retail innovations from data-driven inventory systems to digital shopping experiences.
The goal, Von Paleske says, is not to reinvent the wheel but to make a great wheel roll even smoother.
For Naivas, the future looks steady and optimistic. The foundation is strong, the leadership transition deliberate, and the strategy clear.
“If the past decade was about growth and resilience, the next promises maturity, innovation, and deeper customer connection. We have a solid platform. We will continue building on it, with the same energy, the same focus on value, and the same passion for serving our customers.”
His message to millions of Kenyans remains reassuringly familiar: the heart of the brand is not changing.
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