Twiga Foods has appointed former Jumia boss, Charles Ballard as the new Chief Executive Officer replacing the Start Up’s founder Peter Njonjo.

His appointment comes four months after Njonjo's abrupt resignation. Njonjo exited the company’s board, handing over control to investors who have injected more than $150 million in debt and equity since 2017.

With over 15 years of experience in commerce and retail, Ballard will now oversee the firm’s operational problems, including delayed payments to suppliers and staff.

“Twiga Foods is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Ballard as the new CEO. With a career spanning over 15 years, of which 9 years in the Kenyan market, Ballard brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce, retail, and financial services,” Twiga said.

Ballard joined Jumia in 2019, first as head of performance and planning, before rising to chief operating officer in 2021 and then CEO in 2023.

“His proven operational grip, his entrepreneurial drive, and his passion for the Twiga Foods opportunity make him the ideal leader to steer Twiga into its next phase of growth and success,” said Hein Pretorius, chairman of the Twiga board.