Josephine Njoroge was recently appointed as finance and strategy director at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) after nearly four years as the CFO of DHL Express Kenya.
In a conversation with CFO East Africa, Josephine reflects on her exit from the multinational logistics firm and reveals what she is most excited about in her new role.
What excites you most about becoming finance and strategy director at Uganda Breweries?
Thank you! I’m truly excited about the scope and impact of this role. It sits at the intersection of strategy and operations, which is where I feel most energised. Uganda Breweries has such a rich legacy and a meaningful role in society, not just as a business, but as a contributor to community and development. Being part of shaping its next chapter is both humbling and inspiring.
You’ve been with DHL for a significant part of your career. How does it feel to leave?
It’s bittersweet. DHL has been a big part of my professional and personal growth. I’ve had the chance to work across regions, build incredible relationships, and lead through complexity. But I also believe in recognising when it’s time for a new challenge, and for me, this opportunity came at the right moment. I leave with a lot of gratitude.
What made you decide to make this change now?
It really came down to alignment - with where I am in my leadership journey and how I want to grow next. I was looking for a role that would stretch me in new ways: that would combine strategic thinking with real operational influence. The role at UBL offers exactly that. It’s a chance to contribute at a deeper level while continuing to learn and evolve.
You're moving to a new country again. How are you feeling about relocating to Uganda?
I’m genuinely excited. Uganda is new for me in many ways. I’ve only visited once on a business trip several years ago, so this move is a fresh chapter. I’ve heard so much about the warmth of the people, the vibrancy of the culture, and the beauty of the country. While I’m not deeply familiar yet, I’m looking forward to immersing myself, learning, and building relationships both inside and outside the business. For me, each new country has been an opportunity to grow, and I expect Uganda will be no different.
How does this new role compare to what you were doing previously?
At DHL, I was very much in the trenches, leading finance teams, driving operational performance, and navigating complexity in fast-paced environments. In this new role, while I remain operationally engaged, I also step into a broader leadership space that includes strategic direction and governance. It’s not a departure from what I’ve done. It’s an expansion. And I’m excited for that stretch.
What are your immediate priorities stepping into this role?
Listening and learning, first and foremost. I believe effective leadership starts with understanding, so I’ll be getting close to the business, to the teams, and to the numbers. I want to understand the drivers, the culture, and the challenges, not just from a report but from the ground up. You can’t oversee or influence what you don’t deeply understand. At the same time, I’ll be working to connect day-to-day decisions to longer-term strategy, making sure we’re not just operating, but building with intention.
