Mbuvi Ngunze has said he will be quitting the Kenya Airways management in 2017.
A statement from board chairman Michael Joseph said is set to resign in the first quarter of 2017.
Joseph said he respects Ngunze’s decision, and will remain the CEO until his successor if found.
“By that time, he will have worked with KQ for over five years and as the Group managing director and CEO for two years, and felt it was a natural point in the company’s evolution to pass on the baton. While I regret this decision, I respect his position,” Joseph said as quoted by Capitalfm.co.ke.
The selection process is already underway, the former Safaricom boss added.
"I hope to complete this process within the next three months. I have already started the process to search for and identify the right candidate with the relevant airline experience," he said.
Joseph further said the Board chairman and the Group MD and CEO will work with the rest of the KQ senior leadership team to ensure continuity during the transition.
“Hence, this should not negatively impact our collaboration with our business partners, financiers and other stakeholders,” he said.