In a male-dominated aviation industry, Hellen Mathuka has carved out a remarkable leadership role at Kenya Airways.
With over 15 years of leadership experience in the aviation industry, Hellen Mathuka has built a career helping organizations navigate complexity, make informed decisions, and deliver sustainable value.
Her professional journey spans finance and strategy, equipping her with a rare ability to balance commercial ambition with financial discipline, long-term planning, and practical execution.
Hellen Mathuka, who served as Chief Finance Officer until September 2024, has been at the forefront of Kenya Airways’ financial transformation.
Currently, she serves as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, leading the airline’s initiatives.
In 2024, the national carrier celebrated a significant milestone, posting its first full-year profit in more than ten years, with net earnings of Ksh5.4 billion.
This marked a huge turnaround from the Ksh22.6 billion loss recorded in 2023.
Educational Background
Hellen Mathuka completed an Executive Development Program in Leadership at the University of Pretoria from 2011 to 2012.
She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from the United States International University – Africa between 2008 and 2010.
Earlier, she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree in Accounting from Kenyatta University, graduating in 1998.
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Hellen Mathuka Career Background
Hellen Mathuka currently serves as the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Kenya Airways, a role she has held since September 2024.
In this capacity, she leads the development and management of the airline’s strategic plan and initiatives, collaborating with business units and external partners.
She oversees the execution of strategies, ensures effective communication across the organization, manages the development of a profitable network, implements pricing and inventory strategies, conducts market research, and leads the airline’s communication programs.
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Before this, she served as Acting Chief Financial Officer at Kenya Airways from November 2017 to August 2018.
In that role, she monitored business performance, provided strategic guidance to senior leadership, prepared financial models, managed cash flow and investments, oversaw budgeting, and strengthened financial systems and procedures.
She also held the position of Head of Corporate Finance from June 2016 to October 2017 and served as Head of Revenue Management & Pricing from June 2014 to June 2016 at Kenya Airways’ Nairobi Head Office.
Earlier in her career, Mathuka worked at East African Breweries PLC (EABL) as Manager of Group Audit & Risk from January to June 2009.
She also served at Kenya Airways as Manager of Information Systems Audits between June 2006 and January 2009.
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Amazing! She is truly a force. However, I don’t think her educational background is comprehensively captured. I recently saw her on SBS receiving an award. Kudos to her—especially as a woman excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field.
One of the women to watch for CEO in the Executive Space