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The Standard Group PLC has named John Bundotich as its acting Chief Executive Officer with effect from November 1, 2026, according to a notice to shareholders published by the Nairobi Securities Exchange on Tuesday.
The NSE-listed media group said the appointment was made “pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 11 of the Thirteenth Schedule” of the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023. The notice is signed by Company Secretary Catherine Kawira and dated October 23, 2026.
Who is John Bundotich
Mr Bundotich currently serves as Acting Editor-in-Chief of The Standard Group. The board describes him as “a strategic media executive and transformational leader with over 25 years of experience leading print, broadcast and digital media operations in Kenya.”
According to the notice, he has held senior leadership positions at both The Standard Group and Nation Media Group, “providing strategic direction across editorial, operational and multimedia platforms while driving audience growth, product development, newsroom convergence and organizational transformation.”
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Kenyatta University and has done executive programmes in corporate governance, leadership, finance, performance management, labour relations and media innovation. He is an accredited journalist with the Media Council of Kenya and a member of the Institute of Economic Affairs.
“He is recognized for his integrity, strategic vision, sound judgement and ability to lead organizations through complex and rapidly evolving business environments,” the board said.
What the notice does not say
The announcement does not mention Chaacha Mwita, whom the board appointed substantive Chief Executive Officer from April 1, 2026, or explain why an acting chief executive is needed from November. It also does not say how long the acting arrangement will last.
In its April notice, the company said Mr Mwita had served as acting CEO since July 2025 and that, “following a comprehensive evaluation of his performance and a structured appointment process,” the board was satisfied he had “the requisite leadership capability, experience and integrity to assume the role on a substantive basis.”
A busy year on the board
Tuesday’s notice follows several governance changes at the company this year. In February, the board suspended a previously proposed rights issue, citing “prevailing market conditions and strategic financing options.” It said the suspension “does not constitute a cancellation of the Rights Issue” and that the decision “does not reflect any adverse change in the Company’s underlying business or governance.”
Independent director Dr Michael Lusiola resigned from the board with effect from August 18, 2026, having joined in September 2024.
On October 15, the company appointed three independent non-executive directors: Anthony Ambaka Kegode, who founded and led East African Safari Air; Tom Odongo, a CPA with an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi; and Elishah Njeru, a CPA who more recently served in a public sector role on the determination of tax appeals.
The Standard Group, whose brands include The Standard, KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice FM and The Nairobian, trades on the NSE under the ticker SGL. The notice carries the usual disclaimer that it was issued with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority, which “assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements appearing in this announcement.”
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