Streaming service Showmax has named Kenyan tech executive Emma Gichonge as its first General Manager for Operations in East Africa, as the company embarks on an ambitious growth strategy across the continent.
With its launch on a new global streaming platform and a “game-changing” Premier League offer, Showmax aims to become Africa’s number one streamer. The appointment of the highly-regarded Ms Gichonge is intended to drive the streaming service’s success in the key East African market.
“With our ambition to be Africa’s No 1 streamer, we’re very happy to welcome Emma, whose wealth of experience will serve our customers in the key East African market,” said Showmax Chief Operating Officer Joe Heshu.
A seasoned leader known for building high-performance teams, Ms Gichonge brings experience across multiple industries and countries. This includes roles at start-up Yutap and at leading telecoms giant Safaricom, where she led the migration of the popular MPESA mobile money platform.
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“Showmax is in an exciting stage in its story – moving onto the globally scaled Peacock platform, increasing its loved local content slate and introducing affordable new plans,” said Ms Gichonge. “With my passion for innovation, and for East Africa, I’m looking forward to building the business.”
She added that work is already underway with partners Safaricom to re-integrate M-PESA payments into the Showmax app, after the platform migration.
With Premier League football and popular Kenyan series like Single Kiasi and Second Family, Showmax aims to attract even more East African customers under Ms Gichonge’s leadership.
