Several notable Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have resigned or stepped down from their positions in 2025.
Some cited personal reasons or the desire to pursue other interests, while others indicated that they had achieved their goals. A few did not disclose the reasons behind their exit.
This article highlights prominent CEOs who left their roles in both the public sector and the corporate world during 2025.
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Marion Gathoga-Mwangi – Standard Group PLC
Marion Gathoga-Mwangi announced her exit as Standard Group’s CEO on June 12, 2025, citing personal reasons.
In a heartfelt message to employees, Marion Gathoga confirmed that although she had not officially stepped down, the transition process had already begun.
“Personal circumstances that I cannot overlook have informed my decision on my future with the company. The transition has begun, and this may be the last newsletter I write to you,” she stated.
She officially assumed the role of CEO on August 5, 2024, succeeding Joe Munene, who had been serving in an acting capacity since July 6, 2024.
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Maxwell Wahome – Longhorn Publishers PLC
The Board of Directors of Longhorn Publishers announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer, Maxwell Wahome, who had led the company for the past seven years.
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In a notice dated August 22, 2025, the board stated that Wahome would officially step down as CEO effective September 30, 2025.
“The Board of Directors of Longhorn Publishers PLC announces that Mr. Maxwell Wahome will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer, with his last day of service being 30th September 2025,” the notice read in part.
Wahome had worked with the company for nine years, the last seven of which he served as CEO.
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Patricia Ithau – WPP Scangroup
Patricia Ithau stepped down as CEO of marketing and communications firm WPP Scangroup on July 16, 2025, upon the expiration of her three-year contract.
The company described her departure as a “controlled transition” that occurred at the end of her contract, during which she led a major restructuring and transformation process.
Her exit occurred after a challenging financial period for the firm, which recorded a net loss of KSh 507.6 million in 2024.
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Rakesh Rao – Crown Paints Kenya
Rakesh Rao stepped down as CEO of Crown Paints Kenya on October 2, 2025, after serving for 20 years. During his tenure, he oversaw regional expansion into Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with Kenya remaining the company’s largest market.
He was succeeded by Mustafa Turra, who joined the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm from Olam Agri Nigeria and officially took over as CEO on October 1, 2025.
“The board is happy to welcome Turra to Crown Paints. His global outlook and proven expertise in leading transformational growth will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our leadership in the paints and coatings industry,” the Crown Paints Kenya Board of Directors stated.
Also Read: NCBA Company Secretary Resigns with Immediate Effect
5. Eng. Philemon Kandie – Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA)
Eng. Philemon Kandie stepped down as Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
His resignation was announced by KeRRA Board Chairperson Anthony Ng’ang’a Mwaura in a statement dated July 11, 2025.
Eng. Jackson K. Magondu was appointed in an acting capacity to replace Kandie.
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