Killian Nango

Professional Background

Killian Nango is a distinguished professional with over 12 years of rich experience managing teams across six corporates in East Africa. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding access to pivotal services such as finance, electricity, and connectivity, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of clients. His career began in entry-level sales roles in the banking and telecom sectors, where he honed his skills in sales strategies and customer relationship management. Killian believes that the foundation of successful sales growth lies in creating genuine value for customers and fostering strong partnerships between businesses and their consumer bases.

Throughout his career, Killian has demonstrated exceptional performance, leading to swift promotions within organizations. His journey has seen him in various leadership roles, culminating in positions where he oversees entire business units and manages the profit and loss (P&L) of multi-million dollar portfolios. He possesses a deep-seated passion for driving business growth in a region abundant with challenges yet ripe with opportunities. By leveraging his extensive knowledge of the local market and innovative approaches, he guides organizations through the complexities of growth in East Africa.

Education and Achievements

Killian Nango's academic qualifications provide him with a robust foundation in finance, business strategy, and sustainable consulting. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Development Finance from Stellenbosch University, which equips him with the analytical and strategic thinking necessary to tackle financing challenges in developing markets. Additionally, he completed a Strategy Master Class at the GIBS Business School, enhancing his proficiency in strategic business planning and execution.

His educational background further includes an MBA in International Business/Trade/Commerce from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, allowing him to understand global market dynamics and trade policies that influence local business practices. To explore sustainable business practices, he participated in a Sustainable Business Consulting Practicum at the Georgia Institute of Technology - Scheller College of Business. Furthermore, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Institute of Finance Management. This comprehensive education equips him with an array of skills from finance to strategic sales management.

Notable Professional Experience

Throughout his extensive career, Killian has held numerous crucial positions that highlight his leadership abilities and strategic insight:

• Associate Consultant at Africa Grant Advisors: In this role, he provided expert advice and support to organizations looking to enhance their capabilities in grant allocation and management, contributing to improved financing solutions in the region.
• Head of Sales - East Africa at ZOLA Electric: Here, Killian drove sales strategies that expanded ZOLA Electric’s reach in innovative energy solutions within East Africa, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources.
• Director of Commercial Operations at Rex Solar Energy: Killian was pivotal in overseeing commercial strategies to enhance the operational efficiencies and profitability of Rex Solar Energy during his tenure.
• Head of Corporate Business at Smart East Africa: In this capacity, he developed and executed corporate strategies that amplified the company’s market presence and customer engagement.
• Head of SME, SOHO, & Individual Segment at Airtel Tanzania: Killian played a vital role in developing products and services tailored for small and medium enterprises, significantly enhancing Airtel’s outreach to business customers.
• Regional Business Head at Zanzibar Telecom Ltd. (ZANTEL): He managed consumer segment operations, underscoring his capability to understand market needs and respond with effective strategies.
• Strategic Key Account Manager and Sales Representative at Zanzibar Telecom Ltd. (ZANTEL) and Standard Chartered Bank: Killian's early career roles involved direct sales and managing key accounts, providing him with insights into customer behavior and sales dynamics.

Through these roles, Killian Nango has consistently contributed to the business landscape in East Africa, merging his strategic insights with practical applications to drive substantial improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Achievements

Killian’s career is marked by numerous achievements that underscore his capability and commitment to excellence:

• Successfully increased access to financial services for underserved communities in East Africa, allowing for greater economic mobility.
• Led teams that enhanced service delivery in telecom and banking sectors, fostering customer loyalty and business growth.
• Championed sustainable energy solutions, contributing to environmental goals while also addressing the energy needs of the population in East Africa.
• Recognized for innovative approaches in sales strategies that resulted in significant revenue increases across the companies he has worked with.
• Established strategic partnerships that amplified customer engagement and contributed to the overall business growth in the highly competitive East African market.

Killian Nango’s career exemplifies a harmonious blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and a genuine commitment to serving communities through increased access to essential services. As he continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the East African market, his story is a testament to the impact that dedicated professionals can have on their sectors and communities.