KCB Group CEO Paul Russo has been recognized as one of the world’s top 100 business leaders for his exceptional leadership in advancing sustainability and purpose-driven innovation.
Russo was among four Kenyan business leaders honoured in the 2024 Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) awards, which celebrate CEOs and entrepreneurs who transform their companies to benefit society while generating profits.
The MB100 is an esteemed global award that identifies visionary leaders who leverage business for social impact.
Other Kenyans honoured are Lucy Mutinda Founder and CEO of Ecocycle, Camille Rebelo Co-Founder and COO of EcoPlanet Bamboo, and Biju Mohandas, Partner & Global Head of Healthcare at LeapFrog Investments.
These leaders were recognized for their efforts to drive sustainable development across various industries, demonstrating how businesses can be both profitable and agents of positive social and environmental change.
The awardees were selected from over 850 nominees worldwide by a panel of high-profile judges, including Adam Elman of Google, Nikhil Seth from the United Nations, and Sarah Geisenheimer of the Rockefeller Foundation.
The judges recognized the Kenyan leaders for their innovative approaches to solving some of the country’s most pressing challenges through sustainable business practices.
Speaking about the recognition, Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder and CEO of Meaningful Business, expressed his admiration for the winners.
“Congratulations to the Kenyan leaders recognized in this year’s MB100 for demonstrating how purpose-driven business can address some of the country’s most critical social and environmental challenges,” Lytton-Dickie said.
“Their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit position Kenya as a leading hub for impactful solutions in Africa and beyond. As a key market with immense potential for sustainable growth and positive change, we are excited to support these leaders as they continue to scale their efforts in the years to come.”
The MB100 highlights the critical role Kenya plays in the global shift towards sustainability.
Paul Russo, who has led KCB Group to become one of the most innovative banks in East Africa.
He has been instrumental in driving the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Under his leadership, KCB has introduced digital banking solutions, expanded access to financial services, and integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations.
Similarly, Lucy Mutinda’s company, Ecocycle, has revolutionized wastewater treatment in Kenya, using AI and automation to recycle sewage into clean, reusable water, significantly impacting the country’s water crisis.
Camille Rebelo of EcoPlanet Bamboo is transforming the forestry industry by promoting bamboo as a sustainable alternative for carbon sequestration and land restoration.
Meanwhile, Biju Mohandas is reshaping healthcare delivery in emerging markets, leading LeapFrog Investments’ efforts to scale affordable, high-quality healthcare for underserved populations across Africa and Asia.
The 2024 Meaningful Business 100 award underscores the growing trend of businesses driving positive social change while achieving financial success.
The Kenyan honorees are recognized not only for their business acumen but also for their deep commitment to using their platforms to foster long-term sustainable growth.
Meaningful Business is a global community of purpose-driven leaders from over 140 countries, dedicated to helping businesses succeed in solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
The MB100 award further cements Kenya's place as a hope for sustainable business leadership in Africa, with these four outstanding leaders setting an example for a future where business and social impact go hand in hand.
