Crown Paints Kenya Plc has announced the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
On behalf of the Crown Paints Board, the Company Secretary Conrad Nyukuri in a notice dated September 29, 2025, announced that Mustafa Turra has been appointed as the new CEO. Turra’s appointment is effective October 1, 2025.
This marks a strategic leadership transition as the company gears up for its next phase of growth and innovation.
The Board of Directors expressed confidence in his ability to steer Crown Paints to greater heights, citing his global outlook, proven track record in profitable growth, and strong strategic acumen.
“The Board is confident that with his global perspective, strategic acumen, and strong background in business transformation, Mr. Mustafa Turra is poised to lead Crown Paints into its next phase of growth and innovation, reinforcing its position as the region’s leading brand,” read part of the notice.
Mustafa Turra’s profile
Turra joins Crown Paints from Olam Agri Nigeria, where he served as Business Head and Vice President of Soy Crush Integrated Feed & Protein.
In that role, he oversaw the largest feed business in Sub-Saharan Africa and led operations in over 10 countries, building and managing high-performance multicultural teams in fast-paced, manufacturing- and distribution-led industries.
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With over 20 years of international leadership experience spanning India, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and South Asia, the new Crown Paints CEO boasts a wealth of knowledge in business transformation and financial management.
He holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
At the same time, the Board extended its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rakesh Rao, the outgoing Group CEO, for the pivotal role he played in driving the Group’s growth during his tenure.
Dr. Rao, an award-winning business executive credited with delivering high-impact leadership and next-level business performance, was appointed CEO of the paint manufacturer in 2005, when the company posted a net profit of Ksh34.4 million on sales of Ksh1.44 billion.
Over the last 15 years, he has matured Crown Paints PLC into an Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)-listed and industry-leading brand operating across four countries in East Africa.
Profile of outgoing Crown Paints CEO Dr Rakesh Rao
This track record of outstanding performance has earned Rakesh local and international recognitions and awards. He was shortlisted among the top businessmen of the year between 2011 and 2016, during which Crown Paints PLC was named ‘Company of the Year’.
In other engagements, Rakesh Rao is a philanthropist and has a keen interest in social impact and developing the community. A notable contribution is the ‘Team Kubwa Initiative,’ which continues to enhance the educational levels of painters in Kenya, uplifting many from poverty.
Before joining Crown Paints Plc, Rakesh worked with multinational companies such as General Electric, the Tata Group, and Mitsubishi in various management capacities.
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He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Diploma in Costing and Management Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya. Dr. Rao also earned his PhD in Global Leadership and Management from the European International University (Paris).
His departure comes barely a month after Crown Paints lost six senior executives in June this year amid internal restructuring.
The outgoing CEO had been stripped of his Kenya General Manager role and was overseeing regional operations only until the announcement.
“The Board and Management of Crown Paints Kenya plc express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Rakesh Rao for his exceptional leadership, stewardship, and the pivotal role he has played in driving the Group’s growth and success during his tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer,” the notice adds.
Financial results
Rao leaves the company in a healthy financial position, with Crown Paints (CRWN) stock at the NSE closing at KES 58.00 on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The company’s shares hit a 52-week high of KES 62.00 on September 30, 2025. For the financial year ended December 31, 2024, Crown Paints reported a strong financial recovery in the, with net profit soaring to Ksh544 million from a Ksh29 million loss in 2023, alongside an 8% revenue increase to Ksh13.5 billion.
The company attributed the turnaround to increased sales volume, improved marketing, cost controls, and a stable Kenyan currency. Crown Paints’ Board also approved a proposed final dividend of Ksh3.00 per share.
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