Limo Kiplumbei Argut

Senior Sales & Commercial Leader
Nairobi, KE.

About

Highly accomplished and agile sales leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in the airline and cargo industry, specializing in country and key account management. Proven track record of quadrupling revenue, consistently exceeding sales targets by over 120%, and driving significant market share growth through strategic planning, high-level negotiations, and B2B/B2C relationship selling. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, optimizing commercial operations, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships to deliver exceptional business outcomes and expand market presence.

Work

Kenya Airways Rwanda
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Country Manager

Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda

Summary

Led all commercial and operational activities for Kenya Airways in Rwanda, driving significant sales growth, market penetration, and brand reputation.

Highlights

Awarded Sales Leader of the Year 2024 for consistently exceeding budget expectations and driving the commercial action plan for Rwanda.

Tripled flight frequencies from 4 to 12 weekly within 9 months and projected growth to 25 flights weekly by end of 2024, significantly expanding market reach.

Grew revenue by 250% in the first year of appointment, leading to a quadrupled overall revenue budget for the country.

Implemented robust performance management frameworks and B2B strategies, optimizing revenue from existing accounts and driving new business streams.

Cultivated high-level relationships with key industry bodies, diplomatic missions, and government authorities, enhancing company image and market presence.

Kenya Airways
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Key Account Manager

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

Managed a high-value portfolio of government, leisure, and TMC accounts, consistently exceeding revenue targets and driving market share growth for Kenya Airways.

Highlights

Managed an agency portfolio with a combined annual value exceeding USD$10 million, consistently surpassing targets by 137% (2018), 112% (2019), and 124% (2021 half-year).

Managed Kenya Airways' largest corporate account (Kenya Parliament, USD$2M+), negotiating an African Union contract component that increased revenue by USD$3M in 2016.

Executed the "FLY KENYA POLICY," successfully onboarding government clients (Parliament, Judiciary, Armed Forces) that accounted for 80% of the annual revenue budget.

Led the successful pilot program and implementation of the FUSION sales effectiveness automation tool and KQ CRM tool, enhancing sales processes.

Coordinated air travel logistics for major international sporting events (Olympics 2012-2016, Commonwealth Games 2018), ensuring seamless passenger support.

Kenya Airways
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Sales Executive

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

Drove significant revenue growth and market share for Kenya Airways by penetrating business and leisure segments through direct and indirect sales channels.

Highlights

Exceeded sales goals by an average of 120%, generating USD$12 million against a USD$10 million budget in 2014/15, earning brand ambassador commissions.

Penetrated business and leisure market segments, driving dominant market share and revenue growth through direct and indirect sales channels.

Negotiated incentive and corporate discount schemes with trade partners, fostering loyalty and long-term brand affinity while maximizing revenue.

Championed the opening and positioning of Kenya Airways in Eldoret, making its business cabin the airline's most profitable in 2013.

Contributed to the successful launch of B777-400, Embraer, and B787 Dreamliner aircraft into the Kenyan market.

Mitchell Cotts Ltd
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Cargo Sales Executive

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

Managed client portfolios and coordinated logistics operations to drive cargo freight business growth and optimize profit opportunities.

Highlights

Managed new client portfolios, building relationships and expanding cargo freight business opportunities.

Coordinated daily field reports and supervised export operations, enhancing logistical efficiency.

Met daily with operations stakeholders to ensure proper project scheduling and adherence to timelines.

Negotiated and secured contracts with key clients in collaboration with the commercial manager, contributing to profit growth.

Siginon Freight Ltd
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Sales Executive

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

Drove revenue growth in designated territories by securing new business and maintaining existing client relationships within the freight industry.

Highlights

Grew revenues by acquiring new businesses and maintaining existing client relationships within designated geographic territories.

Prepared and presented propositions and quotes, advising clients on airfreight business solutions for revenue optimization.

Developed and maintained excellent customer relations, fostering trust and loyalty to build long-term company partnerships.

Leveraged industry and competitor knowledge to shape value-added solutions, documenting daily sales leads and successes.

Barclays Bank of Kenya
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Intern

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary

Provided analytical and administrative support for financial operations, reporting, and client account management.

Highlights

Assisted with account reviews and prepared research reports on stock bonds and mutual funds for senior management.

Tracked system payments for facilities, projects, and contracts, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping.

Prepared accurate and meaningful ad hoc reports for senior management and assisted with month-end closing processes.

Collaborated with the admissions department to facilitate payment verification and completion, streamlining financial transactions.

Education

University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Master of Arts

Diplomacy

United States International University
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Bachelor of Science

Business Administration, Marketing Major

Institute of Advanced Technology
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Certificate

Microsoft Applications and Programming Languages (JAVA, Visual Basic)

Secondary Education
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Certificate

Secondary Education

Awards

Overall Airline Sales Leader

Awarded By

Kenya Airways

Recognized for exceptional performance in driving sales and commercial success, leading to the "Sales Leader of the Year" award.

Languages

English
Swahili

Skills

Sales & Business Development

Strategic Planning, Business Development, Relationship Selling (B2B/B2C), Account Management, High-Level Negotiations, Sales Strategy, Market Penetration, Revenue Growth, Commercial Action Plans, Sales Forecasting, Pricing Strategy, Lead Generation, Customer Acquisition, Contract Negotiation, Incentive Programs, Product Launch, Market Intelligence.

Leadership & Management

Country Management, Team Leadership, Performance Management, KPI Development, Staff Development, HR Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Partnerships, Project Management, Coaching, Mentorship, Organizational Leadership, Change Management.

Customer Relations

Customer Service, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty, Client Relationship Management, Customer Experience Optimization, Problem-Solving.

Operations & Digital

Digital Proficiency, Technical Proficiency, Sales Automation (FUSION, CRM), Data Analysis, Budget Management, Operational Efficiency, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Logistics, Cargo Operations, Export Operations, Airfreight.

Communication & Professionalism

Impeccable Communication, Negotiation Skills, Presentation Skills, Professional Agility, Integrity, Collaborative Team Player, Proactive Learning, Public Relations, Brand Representation.