Martin has more than 17 years of experience across different markets in Africa including Kenya and South Africa.
Martin Karenju has been appointed as managing director at Old Mutual Life Assurance Kenya. He steps into the role after holding several senior positions at the firm, including GM finance and strategy, chief operations officer, and group head of strategy for East Africa.
"A visionary leader with over 17 years of experience across African markets, Martin brings a powerful blend of actuarial expertise, strategic insight, and commercial leadership to the role. His journey within Old Mutual, from strategy to operations, is a testament to his dedication, integrity, and passion for excellence. As we celebrate 180 years of trust, we’re excited about the future we're shaping together under his leadership," the company said.
Martin began his career as an actuarial assistant at Old Mutual Kenya in December 2007. He was promoted to senior actuarial assistant in November 2008 and later to actuarial supervisor in July 2010. In July 2012, he joined Old Mutual South Africa as a senior actuarial specialist. He remained in that role until February 2014, when he was appointed as actuarial expert within the same organisation.
He returned to Old Mutual Kenya in July 2014 as strategy executive for East Africa, a position he held the position for over four years before being promoted to group head of strategy for East Africa in December 2018. He later became chief operations officer for the life business in December 2023 and was appointed GM finance and strategy in July 2024. He served in the role for a year before taking up his current position.
Martin holds a BSc in actuarial science from the University of Nairobi, an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, and is a fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
