Wrangles in the Boardroom Push Top CEO to Quit Standard Media Group After 5 Years

Orlando Lyomu, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Standard Group, has resigned from his position at the media company after five years of service.

High-ranking insiders with knowledge of the situation revealed to Look Up Digital that he was forced to resign and is currently serving his notice.

The insider hinted that the decision was related to conflicts in the boardroom at the media outlet over their financial situation that has affected largely the Mombasa Road-based media house that hosts KTN News, KTN Home, KTN Farmers TV, KTN BTV, Radio Maisha, Vybez Radio, Spice FM, and The Standard Newspaper.

According to the source, the fight arose as a result of a disagreement between two major shareholders: the family of former President Daniel Moi and another major investor.

The source further stated that the disagreements arose regarding the company's future direction as well as its day-to-day operations.

However, Look Up Digital could not authoritatively substantiate the magnitude of the boardroom battles in the giant media house. 

Lyomu was appointed CEO of Standard Group on May 25, 2018, succeeding Sam Shollei, who resigned in September 2017. 

Until his confirmation in May, Lyomu, the Group Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer, also served as the media house's acting CEO.

The departing CEO has more than two decades of senior management experience in financial and risk management operations. 

He formerly worked in the petroleum industry, where he was in charge of operations in four countries, primarily Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.