THE country’s largest industry lobby group, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), has elected The Pulse Group founder and chief executive officer Mucha Mkanganwi as the new president.
The Pulse Group is one of the leading suppliers of pharmaceutical, surgical care, theatre equipment and sundries, laboratory and genetic mapping products in Zimbabwe.
It is also involved in fast-moving consumer goods distribution through its subsidiary, Podium Distribution.
Mkanganwi replaces Kurai Matsheza, who had been serving in that position for the past two years.
The new CZI president is deputised by BOC Gases Zimbabwe managing director Clara Mlambo and Joseph Gunda, the general manager of General Beltings & Pigott Maskew.
“Prior to establishing The Pulse Group in 2005, Mucha was group CEO of CAPS Holdings, then the largest listed pharmaceutical company in Zimbabwe,” read Mkanganwi’s official profile obtained by NewsDay Business.
“(He has) risen through the ranks over a seven-year period during which he held several different financial, operational and business development positions.”
Mkanganwi also serves on the board of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, one of the country’s leading banking institutions.
The new CZI president’s appointment comes at a time when manufacturers are struggling in getting foreign currency to import critical raw materials for production.
Manufacturers are also facing incessant power cuts, which are chewing into production times.
“He is currently the president of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, where he has a passion about the sport’s ability to incorporate all members of society rich and poor, male or female and people with physical disabilities,” Mkanganwi’s profile read.
“Mucha sat on the Enactus Global board for six years. The board was chaired by Doug McMillon [Walmart Group CEO].
“This was a seat he held because of being chairman of Enactus Zimbabwe. Related to this, Mucha is the immediate past chair of the board of The Boost Fellowship.”
Mkanganwi chaired these organisations for six years and had sat on the boards for 10 years.
Targeting university students, Enactus is the largest organisation in the world focused on encouraging entrepreneurship that transforms communities.
Mkanganwi has served on several boards in Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Namibia, including the local Global Funds board.
He has also served in roles such as deputy chairman of the CZI’s economic affairs committee and chairman of Zimbabwe Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association.
Mkanganwi completed his articles of clerkship with Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants Zimbabwe.