Of the many achievements in her 15 years in the finance sector, Grace’s highlight is the current role she holds as sub-Saharan Regional Finance and Strategy Director for consumer goods firm, Procter & Gamble (P&G).
Grace recently graduated with an Executive MBA from the London Business School, adding to her rich portfolio that is started with a Bachelor of Commerce- Finance from the University of Nairobi, a CPA from Strathmore University and certification on Investment and Security Analysis.
“My continuous pursuit of learning and professional development reflects my unwavering commitment to excellence and growth within my field,” she says.
"Believe in yourself and take that big leap. Take that leap of being the first to ever dare…or if it's already been done, then be the next woman who will do it."
At P&G Gulf, Grace has risen through the ranks to manage a market generating more than Sh60 billion ($0.5 billion) in revenues in more than 15 Sub-Saharan African countries, where she has had a big hand in the multinational’s rise in profit by more than 20 per cent.
She leads one of the most complex markets, which despite having many natural resources and innovative youths, remains “volatile” to many businesses, due to currency devaluations, political tensions and government red tape.
On a day-to-day basis, she is required to provide leadership on financial strategy, planning, reporting, and commercial as well as business delivery issues.
“My tenure represents my most outstanding achievement to date. The strategic leadership, financial acumen, and ability to drive sustainable growth in challenging economic conditions highlight my exceptional capabilities and contributions to my field,” she says, noting that her efforts have not been without recognition, as she was awarded the P&G Global CEO Award twice.
Grace finds fulfilment mentoring young women to guide them at various stages of their careers and life journeys.
“My experience in navigating a finance career, raising a family, and managing corporate challenges has been invaluable to these mentees. I have successfully guided mentees through relocation with families, career changes, managing promotions, family transitions, and personal and family dynamics such as separation and their impact on careers,” she says.
Since starting her career in her 20s, Grace notes that the move “gave me a global view and allowed me to open up my mind to the endless possibilities of what my life can turn out to be.”
“One more key milestone that has shaped my worldview and who I am is being a wife and a mother. As a mother of three young children, running a full-time career and recently going back to school, my family’s support has been tremendous. I am a firm believer that women can only achieve their peak success when their men rise, recognise their potential and invest in them (women). My husband, Eli Roimen has been the pillar that has supported me through life,” she says.
Grace advice to fellow women? “Believe in yourself and take that big leap. Take that leap of being the first to ever dare…or if it’s already been done, then be the next woman who will do it and join others to make the corporate spaces less lonely for women.”
– By Peter Mburu
