Naivas Supermarkets is pleased to announce that effective 1st November 2025, Andreas von Paleske will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founder, David Kimani.
The transition reflects a thoughtful succession plan anchored on stability, foresight, and respect for the culture that has made Naivas Kenya’s leading retail chain.
A Visionary Legacy:
Under David’s entrepreneurial spirit and distinguished leadership, Naivas has grown from a humble family venture into a national icon with over 100 stores and millions of loyal customers.
His decision to transition at this milestone underscores confidence in the enduring systems and people that power Naivas. We extend heartfelt gratitude for his immense contribution and are pleased that he will continue to guide the business alongside the Mukuha family.
Introducing Our New CEO: Andreas von Paleske
We are not welcoming a newcomer, but elevating a proven leader who has been integral to our recent success. Andreas is not just a successor; he is a continuation of a winning strategy.
Who is Andreas von Paleske:
• Architect of Our Strategy: For the past eight years, Andreas has served as our Chief of Strategy, personally recruited by David to shape the long-term direction of Naivas.
He has been a co-pilot in our most significant growth phase.
• Deep Industry Pedigree: Andreas brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the retail and consumer sectors, with a background that spans investment, operations, and strategic development.
This unique blend gives him a holistic understanding of how to drive sustainable growth in our dynamic market.
• A Leader Who Knows Our Soul: More than his impressive resume, what makes Andreas the right leader is his deep, intrinsic understanding of the Naivas culture, our values, and the partners and customers we serve. He is committed to nurturing the very essence of what makes us Naivas.
Continuity, Not Just Change
This transition is designed for seamless continuity. Andreas knows our business inside and out, and he is deeply committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by David. He is a leader who respects our past and is uniquely equipped to architect our future.
The Board and leadership team stand united in support of this next chapter. Together, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value, strengthening partnerships, and enriching the communities we serve.
The Retail firm congratulated David Kimani for his visionary journey and in warmly welcoming Andreas von Paleske as he steps into this role.
