Reactions as Former Banker Geoffrey Odundo Named NMG Boss

Nation Media Group (NMG) has appointed Geoffrey Odundo as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 7, 2025.

The announcement was made by NMG’s Board Chairman, Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, who described Odundo as an accomplished investment banker with vast leadership experience.

Odundo, who previously served as the CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from 2015 to 2024, joins NMG from CPF Group, where he was the Group Executive Advisor.

His appointment marks a shift in leadership at the media giant, which has been facing challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

While his qualifications and experience in financial markets are undeniable, his appointment has generated diverse reactions online, with many weighing in on what this means for NMG and the media industry at large.

Public Reactions:

The news of Odundo’s appointment quickly spread across social media, sparking a mix of praise, skepticism, and critical observations about the future of mainstream media.

Some users congratulated Odundo, expressing optimism about his leadership.

"A very distinguished and approachable professional with remarkable business acumen. Wishing him success in this new role!" wrote Linex Mugambi.

Others viewed his appointment as a strategic move for NMG to remain competitive in a changing media environment.

"Big move for NMG! With his extensive experience in finance and investment, it'll be interesting to see how he steers the media giant in this digital age," commented user @sillva_styles.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some netizens questioned whether Odundo’s background in finance rather than journalism made him the right fit for a media house.

"Media houses are facing imminent death in the face of social media, they must reinvent the wheel. That’s why they bring in such a mind—one that doesn’t care about news but licking government bum," wrote @JustKrop, reflecting skepticism about the direction NMG might take.

Additionally, a more politically charged debate arose regarding his ethnicity, with some users noting that Odundo is the first non-Kikuyu CEO of NMG in recent memory.

"Aga Khan dies and the Kikuyu monopoly of @NationAfrica is dead too? Odundo is the first non-Kikuyu CEO as far as my memory serves me," observed @DonKawinzi.