Williamson Tea Kenya PLC and Kapchorua Tea Kenya PLC on Monday announced the retirement of long-serving CEO Alan Laurence Carmichael, effective March 31, 2026, and the appointment of Angus Nyariki Omete as his successor.
Omete, currently Group CFO, brings over 26 years of industry experience and will lead the group into its next phase of sustainable, value-driven growth.
Carmichael has served as CEO since February 2008, a period marked by notable achievements that include improvements in tea quality, enhanced market positioning, increased production volumes, and strengthened operational efficiency across the Williamson Tea group.
The boards of both companies expressed deep appreciation for Carmichael’s contributions, noting his dedication and leadership.
His retirement, however, will not mark the end of his association with the group, he will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director, where his extensive knowledge and experience are expected to support the company in a strategic advisory capacity.
Following Carmichael’s retirement, Angus Nyariki Omete will assume the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026.
Omete currently serves as the Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director and has been with the company since November 1999.
He began his career as a graduate trainee and has held multiple senior positions, gaining comprehensive experience in financial management, governance, operational oversight, and strategic planning within the group.
The board highlighted Omete’s deep institutional knowledge of the company and his extensive experience within the tea industry, positioning him to lead Williamson Tea and Kapchorua Tea through its next stage of growth.
His expertise in financial strategy, corporate governance, and operational management is expected to ensure the continuity of the company’s performance while driving sustainable, value-driven expansion.
Omete holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Honours degree from Kenyatta University.
He is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS), and is also a Certified Governance Auditor.
Over the years, he has participated in several leadership development programmes that have further enhanced his executive and strategic capabilities.
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the group, which has focused on maintaining high standards in tea production, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets.
The companies have consistently emphasized the importance of sustainable growth and value creation, and Omete’s appointment aligns with these strategic objectives.
Williamson Tea Kenya PLC, founded in 1869, is one of the country’s oldest and most established tea producers.
Its operations encompass cultivation, processing, and marketing of high-quality tea, with estates spread across key tea-growing regions.
Kapchorua Tea Kenya PLC operates alongside Williamson Tea to strengthen the group’s presence in the industry, ensuring continuity in production and supply.
The boards noted that Omete’s appointment would ensure stability and allow the companies to leverage their institutional expertise to maintain competitiveness in a global market while responding to evolving industry demands.
Carmichael’s transition to a Non-Executive Director role will continue to provide strategic guidance and maintain corporate memory that is critical for long-term planning.
As Williamson Tea and Kapchorua Tea enter this new chapter, the companies reaffirm their commitment to operational excellence, sustainable growth, and market leadership.
The leadership change is intended to safeguard the group’s legacy while positioning it for innovation and resilience in a highly competitive global tea market.
By ensuring continuity of leadership and a smooth transition, the group aims to build on decades of experience while adapting to modern industry challenges, ensuring that it remains a key player in Kenya’s agricultural and export sectors.
This announcement is made pursuant to the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023, highlighting transparency and governance in line with regulatory requirements.
