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Struggling retailer OK Zimbabwe replaces its top management team

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Three senior execs depart immediately. Board brings back former managers to help stabilise the business and turn it around.

OK Zimbabwe, the iconic but struggling supermarket chain, has announced major changes to its executive management team as it aims for a quick turnaround of its under-pressure business operations.

Photo: OK Zimbabwe via Facebook

The surprise announcement sees the immediate departure of at least three top executives, who are being replaced by former OK Zimbabwe stalwarts who are returning to the fold. 

 

Willard Vimbai Zireva, who retired as CEO eight years ago, is back and replaces outgoing CEO Maxen Karombo as head of the retail chain.  

 

Zireva is being supported by Alex Edgar Siyavora as the new CFO and Muzvidzwa Richard Chingaira as the new Supply Chain Director. Siyavora led the company until 2021. Their remit is to guide the company through a major business review and restructuring. 

 

The departing CFO is Phillimon Mushosho and the departing Supply Chain Director is Knox Mupaya. 

 

Recent store closures and stock shortages 

 

The management shakeup follows the recent closure of four OK Zimbabwe stores and ongoing stock shortages, highlighting wider struggles in the beleaguered Zimbabwean retail sector. 

 

Reports the news website Bulawayo 24: “The restructuring comes as OK Zimbabwe faces mounting economic pressures and shifting consumer trends in an increasingly competitive retail market. Zireva’s return signals the company’s intent to leverage his extensive experience in navigating past challenges and positioning the business for long-term growth.” 

 

According to Bloomberg business news agency, “OK Zimbabwe is dealing with severe operational challenges”. 

 

In an official statement announcing the management changes, Company Secretary, Margaret Munyuru, said: “The Board would like to acknowledge the outgoing executive team for their service through this challenging period and to welcome back the team reposed with the remit to stabilise and turn the business around over the next six months whilst the company engages in the process to identify the executive replacements.”

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.