Meet Polycarp Igathe: At Just 46 He Has Held Several CEO Positions In Different Companies

Meet Polycarp Igathe: At Just 46 He Has Held Several CEO Positions In Different Companies

Most people did not know Polycarp Igathe until he was unveiled as Mike Sonko’s pick for deputy governor; a position he ended up resigning from earlier this year.
But his remarkable track record of success in spearheading business growth and product development speaks volumes about his capabilities.
His early life
There have been rumors stating that Chris Kirubi, the renowned businessman is Polycarp Igathe’s father, something both men have denied stating that the only relationship they have is a mentor-mentee relationship.
Igathe says he was born and raised in Ruiru 145. He graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1995 where he was the president of AIESEC.
His personal life
The father of three is married to Catherine Igathe, the General Manager – Distribution Kenya and Agency Channel Lead for Africa at AIG.
His Career
After graduating, he got his first job in Australia. A year and a half later, he came back to Kenya and started working for Coca-Cola until the year 2000.
He then joined Africa Online as a sales and marketing manager and later joined Kenya Breweries Limited as a sales operations manager and then as a marketing manager.
After that, he joined the manufacturer Haco Tiger Brands where he became the regional MD for East Africa. Igathe worked at Haco for 10 years before joining VIVO Energy.
He resigned from VIVO Energy, CEO position to get into politics; and became the deputy governor of Nairobi County. Due to differences with Governor Mike Sonko, he again resigned.
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Most recently he has been appointed the managing director of Equity Bank Kenya.
In an interview, he gave an insight into his life and advice to young people trying to make it in life.
Which part of your career journey have you enjoyed the most?
I have enjoyed my career and have learned every step of the way. I started off in the more simple roles and moved up. I have been promoted every six months in every role I have been. It’s been fantastic but I have also been extremely lucky, thanks to God.
What have you learned in your career so far?
That honesty pays, and that time is your friend, not your enemy. You just have to keep at it with diligence.
If you wake up every day playing at the top of your game, you will grow. If you think you are hot because of what you achieved yesterday, you will die. While at it, don’t forget to give thanks every day.
What is your biggest fear?
To be a failure as a husband and a father. I don’t care if I fail as a businessman. I have three kids, two girls and one boy, the oldest is 14 and the youngest is four.
I’m very clear on the roles I have served in as a CEO. When I read my letter, it said I had been appointed to the role, so it’s a role I’m playing. The reality is that I’m a father who must provide, care and protect and nurture. I’m a husband who swore in public to love and hold till death does us part. I will not fail in that.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
They say I’m Chris Kirubi’s son.
Kenyans think that if you work in a company diligently for long, you can only be their son or relative. But I love it. I get bought a lot of drinks as a result.
When I run into people who want to associate with me because of that myth, I take advantage of it and just order a very expensive whiskey. You know how Kenyans like to hang out with the who-is-who. I’m born and raised in Ruiru 145. Those are my matatus. That’s home.
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What is your greatest regret in life?
I don’t have any regrets. I get a punch; I dust my pants and move on. I’m lucky that way.
Source: Information Cradle

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