Safaricom has appointed Esther Masese Waititu.The new Chief Financial Services Officer which puts her in charge of its popular mobile money transfer service, M-Pesa.
However, it is not yet clear whether Safaricom had the separation in mind when appointing her to the position. Her appointment takes effect in three weeks’ time, February 21, subject to regulatory approval.
This means Masese could play a key role in steering M-Pesa as a standalone business if the split is actualised.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Esther will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight to Safaricom’s financial services business.
Esther Masese Waititu Appointed as Chief Financial Services Officer
“She will lead financial services tribes and teams, through the development of financial products, services and solutions for consumers and enterprises,” reads an internal memo announcing her appointment.
Financial products directly under her stewardship will include the conventional M-Pesa and all Safaricom’s money lending services such as Fuliza, KCB M-Pesa, and M-Shwari.
Others are Safaricom’s International Money Transfer service, M-Pesa Global, and the telco’s money transfer service for teens, M-Pesa Go.
Masese has 15 years’ experience in financial sector and has served as the Director, Corporate Banking at KCB Group since 2021. Prior to that she worked at Stanbic Bank for 10 years.
