The Standard Group PLC has appointed veteran media executive John Bundotich as its acting Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership change at the media company.
In a notice dated October 23, 2026, the board of directors announced that Bundotich would assume the position effective November 1, 2026.
The company issued the notice pursuant to Paragraph 11 of the Thirteenth Schedule of the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023.
“The Board of Directors of The Standard Group PLC (the Company) wishes to notify its shareholders and the general public of the appointment of Mr John Bundotich as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with immediate effect from 1st November 2026,” the notice read in part.
Bundotich currently serves as the acting Editor-in-Chief of The Standard Group, where he has led editorial and media operations.
Profile of John Bundotich – Standard Group’s Acting CEO
According to the company, John Bundotich has more than 25 years of experience in print, broadcast and digital media operations in Kenya.
Over the course of his career, he has held several senior leadership positions at The Standard Group and Nation Media Group, providing strategic direction across editorial, operational and multimedia platforms.
His professional experience includes newsroom convergence, audience growth, product development and organisational transformation.
The company also highlighted his background in corporate governance, stakeholder management, digital innovation and change leadership.
John Bundotich has experience engaging regulators, government institutions and commercial partners, responsibilities that form part of the wider leadership and operational demands of a media organisation.
The board described him as a leader with experience navigating complex and rapidly changing business environments while maintaining standards of governance and professionalism.
“He brings extensive experience engaging stakeholders, including regulators, government institutions and commercial partners,” the company stated.
Education and Professional Qualifications of John Bundotich
John Bundotich holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Kenyatta University.
He has also undertaken executive development programmes covering corporate governance, leadership, finance, performance management, labour relations and media innovation.
Also Read: Standard Group Appoints Three New Directors After Resignations
In addition to his academic and executive training, Bundotich is an accredited journalist with the Media Council of Kenya.
He is also a member of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), according to the company’s announcement.
What Happened to Standard Group Former CEO
In a statement on October 16, 2026, Mwita would leave as Group CEO and Executive Director effective November 1, 2026.
“The Board takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to Mr Chaacha for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the Company,” the statement read.
Mwita was appointed substantive CEO effective April 1, 2026, after serving as Acting CEO from July 1, 2025.
He took over the acting role following the resignation of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, who left the position effective June 30, 2025, after about a year in office.
Also Read: Standard Group CEO Resigns After Only Seven Months
Mwita’s planned departure follows other board-level changes. On October 12, Standard Group announced that Edward Mwasi and Dr James McFie had resigned as Non-Executive Directors, effective August 31, 2026.
Days later, the company also announced the appointment of Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo and Elishah Njeru as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective October 15, 2026.
The company has not named a successor to Mwita, whose exit adds to a series of leadership changes at the media group. The developments also come as the media group continues to navigate financial challenges affecting its operations.
The listed media company has recorded financial losses and struggled to raise fresh capital, with its proposed rights issue of approximately Ksh1.5 billion suspended.
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