John Gatharia

I bring a combination of legal, commercial, operational and investment experience, with a strong track record of building businesses, structuring partnerships and executing across African markets. As a CEO and board-level operator, I focus on turning strategy into execution—helping companies identify opportunities, manage risk, enter new markets, build strategic partnerships and scale sustainably.

I am particularly effective as an advisor or board member where a company needs someone who can challenge assumptions, open doors, navigate complex markets and translate high-level strategy into practical execution. I bring an Africa-market perspective combined with experience across technology, infrastructure, investment, sourcing, fintech, AI, telecoms and cross-border business.

The companies that would benefit most from my expertise are growth-stage and established businesses looking to enter or expand in Africa, companies navigating complex partnerships or market-entry decisions, technology and infrastructure businesses, investment-backed companies, and founders who need experienced strategic and commercial oversight at board level.

I am most valuable where the board needs more than governance—I bring an execution mindset, commercial judgment, strategic relationships and a willingness to actively help management move the business forward.