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Zubeda Salim

@zubedasalim

Marketing and brand strategist with 10+ years scaling FMCG brands across East Africa through digital growth.

Kenya
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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead high-impact brand growth in CPG—owning strategy, go-to-market, and digital optimization to drive measurable market share gains, strong retail execution, and cross-functional alignment in fast-moving East African markets.

I’m a marketing and brand strategist with 10+ years launching, repositioning, and scaling consumer brands in competitive East African FMCG and manufacturing markets. I’ve led budgets exceeding 100 million KES and delivered up to 25% national market share gains, including doubling sales volume for Prestige Margarine through conversion-led growth.

I build and execute growth roadmaps across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda—combining brand strategy, media planning, and digital optimization to improve expansion outcomes. I’ve partnered with teams and agencies virtually and led launches like Nala Noodles and Neptune Toilet Paper, translating consumer insights into retailer listings, category disruption, and measurable brand performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

IC
Current

Fractional CMO & Brand Growth

Independent Consultant

Jan 2026 - Present (4 months)

Directed brand expansion strategies across East Africa, managing cumulative marketing budgets exceeding 100 million KES and delivering go-to-market roadmaps for new product launches. Led virtual social media and digital media execution, supporting cross-border distribution and partner coordination to drive measurable growth.

KL

Marketing Manager - Brands

Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd.

Mar 2021 - Jan 2026 (4 years 10 months)

Launched Nala Noodles in 2022, achieving 11% national market share in its first year and securing full retail listings through cross-functional and agency execution. Built value-tier fighter strategies such as Classic Detergent for hard-water regions and supported culturally relevant market entry via a celebrity chef partnership.

KL

Senior Brand Manager

Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd.

Mar 2018 - Feb 2021 (2 years 11 months)

Doubled sales volume for Prestige Margarine, increasing national market share from 10% to 25% through conversion-led sampling, roadshows, and digital campaigns. Negotiated year-long visibility deals with 15 billboard suppliers and national radio stations, while revitalising Toss Lavender and modernising the Rina Vegetable Oil brand to regain relevance.

KL

Brand Manager

Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd.

Mar 2016 - Feb 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Launched Neptune Toilet Paper—Kenya’s first printed toilet paper—to disrupt the hygiene category and reached 10% national market share within the first year. Managed end-to-end development and launch of two hygiene brands, coordinated a nationwide sampling drive, and introduced packaging innovations to appeal to younger demographics.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kenyatta University logoKU

Kenyatta University

Master of Business Administration, Strategic Management

Ongoing Master of Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Management.

United States International University - Africa logoUA

United States International University - Africa

Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration, Marketing

Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

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