Maheboob Alibhai, born and raised in Kenya, having studied business management at Capillano College in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is the founder of a number of successful start-up businesses in Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as acquiring various existing businesses. He was actively involved in the acquisition of Phoenix of East Africa Company Limited from Sun Alliance in the United Kingdom in 1992, subsequently he founded the Phoenix Assurance Group of Companies as greenfield and licensed operations in Tanzania (1999), Uganda (2003), Rwanda (2006), Zambia (2009), Botswana (2009), Mozambique (2012), Namibia (2015) and Swaziland (2016). He is the Chairman of the Phoenix Assurance Group of Companies which operate in Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland, and a Director of MUA Insurance (Kenya) Limited, Phoenix of Tanzania Assurance Company Limited, MUA Insurance (Uganda) Limited and MUA Insurance (Rwanda) Limited. He is also the founder of micro-lending companies which operate in Kenya and Tanzania under the name African Capital Limited, Cheza Hela Company Limited, a sports betting company licensed by Betting Control and Licensing Board in Kenya. He is in the process of establishing up market tented camps in Masai Mara, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park and in Zambia. He also founded Tek Box Limited in Kenya to provide Business Processing Solutions together with the latest technology, a Call Centre based in Nairobi. The company will be providing Business Processing Solutions to various organisations all over Africa. He was previously involved in other businesses including banking, supermarkets, automobile assembly and distribution, theatres, casinos, manufacturing of biscuits, manufacturing of plastics and trading. In the mid 1980’s he had acquired Marshalls Group of Companies in Kenya and Tanzania from Marshalls Universal Plc United Kingdom. This included the assembly and distribution of Peugeot, Volvo trucks, Honda cars, Honda motorcycles and Honda power generators. Marshalls was also a shareholder of AVA, a vehicle assembly plant in Mombasa, Kenya. Had also acquired companies in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from public listed companies in the United Kingdom. In 1986 through his contacts in London acquired Fox Theatres E. A. Ltd in Kenya, being a group of cinemas from Fox International USA. Maheboob is a founder member of the Young Presidents’ Organization Chapter in Nairobi – YPO Gold Nairobi Chapter, member of YPO Africa Great Lakes Chapter, YPO Africa Great Leopard Valley Chapter, member of YPO Pan Africa Chapter, member of Chief Executives’ Organization (CEO) and a founder member of TiE Africa
Mr. Azim Virjee
Board of Directors
Mr. Azim Virjee currently serves on multiple boards of major organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK, and Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya. He has served as member of the Public Finance Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya for 12 years. He is also a certified Governance Auditor. Azim has provided consulting services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, transaction advisory, business valuations, corporate recovery, restructuring, project feasibilities and project finance and due diligence. He has vast experience and knowledge in the field of auditing having worked in the profession for 40 years. He has provided tax advisory services to a portfolio of clients including advising on tax planning issues and handling queries from the revenue authority both local and foreign, handled a number of tax investigation cases and carried out tax health audits for major corporations. He has been involved in advising clients on VAT issues supervising VAT audits, dealing with specialized issued such as complex withholding tax issues, transfer pricing, taxation of income of expatriates, branches of foreign companies and liaison offices. He has represented at Local Committee appeals and has been a member of a Joint Committee of Kenya Revenue Authority. Azim is fully conversant with Company Law and practice, company secretarial matters and corporate governance issues having managed a practice for over 30 years.
Ms. Aliza Alibhai
Board of Directors
Aliza is MSc in Real Estate Economics and Finance from London School of Economics, London, UK. She currently serves on multiple boards of major organizations. She is a highly experienced professional with a diverse skill set and a proven track record in various areas of business operations. Her background in insurance underwriting provides her with a strong foundation in risk assessment and financial analysis. She has also played an integral role in shaping the strategic direction and financial objectives of the company, demonstrating her ability to think analytically and make sound business decisions.
In addition to her expertise in insurance, Aliza has extensive knowledge in call center operations. She has effectively managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality customer service. Her experience in recruiting, training, and evaluating staff members has contributed to the development of skilled and motivated teams. Aliza’s leadership skills are evident in her capability to provide guidance and mentorship to her team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing performance.
Aliza’s involvement in the formation and setup of various companies showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to contribute to the development of new ventures. Her expertise in developing and creating new marketing channels demonstrates her innovative mindset and her understanding of market trends. Aliza’s experience with budget management and financial resources ensures that she can effectively allocate resources and make strategic decisions that align with the company’s goals.
Furthermore, Aliza consistently prioritizes customer satisfaction and maintains strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders. She has a proven ability to address customer concerns promptly and ensure their needs are met. Aliza stays updated with industry trends and regulatory changes, enabling her to adapt strategies and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Joined the Company in January 2017 as Chief Operations Officer. He holds a Master s degree in Banking & Finance from University of Karachi, Pakistan. He is also an Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) from UK.
Mr Ahmed’ s professional experience spread over 25 years working progressively in different capacities in Insurance/Takaful industry. He also happens to be the founding Chief Operating Officer of Pakistan’s pioneer takaful company. Prior to joining Phoenix Assurance – Zambia, he held the position of Executive Direction of a Window Takaful Operations in Pakistan.
Mr Ahmed specializes in Takaful business as well as in core operational areas of insurance i.e. Underwriting, Claims management , Reinsurance Structuring and Strategic Marketing. ahmed@Phoenixzambia.com
Mr. Anthony Malasha
Chief Operations Officer
Mr. Anthony Joined the Company in July 2020 as Chief Operations Officer in charge of conventional business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zambia (BA). He is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) from UK.
He has 27 years experience in general insurance having served in different capacities at Madison and Innovate General Insurance. Specialised in Underwriting, Claims Management, Reinsurance, Risk Management, Marketing and Product designing including online selling.
Currently in charge of Underwriting, Claims, Marketing, Branch Operations, Strategy and Product development.