Rachael Ndegwa’s journey is one of unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and strategic growth—culminating in her role as CEO of Swissport Africa. With over 20 years at the company, Rachael has risen through the ranks, setting a powerful example of what long-term commitment and excellence can achieve in the aviation industry.
Two Decades of Dedication
Rachael began her career at Swissport in 2005 as an accountant in the cargo division. Her sharp financial acumen quickly became evident, leading to her promotion as Business Controller within a year. Her progression was steady and purposeful: from overseeing cargo operations to becoming the Chief Finance Officer in 2009, where she managed both cargo and ground handling business lines.
In 2017, she stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer, where she was responsible for the oversight of ground operations, cargo services, training, quality assurance, and health and safety. This role gave her a holistic understanding of the company’s operations—laying the groundwork for her appointment as CEO in 2020.
Driving Operational Excellence
As CEO, Rachael has brought a results-driven approach to Swissport’s operations across Africa. She has led several initiatives to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the company’s sustainability standards.
A standout achievement under her leadership has been the advancement of green operations. She spearheaded the implementation of solar energy solutions at key facilities, ensuring a significant portion of daily energy needs is met sustainably. This forward-thinking move reinforced Swissport’s commitment to environmental responsibility while reducing operational costs.
Strategic Expansion & Market Growth
Rachael has also overseen the company’s geographic expansion, including the strategic launch of operations in Mombasa. Recognizing the importance of regional connectivity and tourism potential, she led Swissport’s entry into Moi International Airport, extending the company’s reach and offering a full suite of services to airline partners beyond Nairobi.
Her vision for growth goes hand in hand with understanding Africa’s evolving logistics landscape. She continues to position Swissport as a key player in supporting trade, tourism, and investment across the continent.
A Legacy of Impact
Throughout her career, Rachael has built a reputation for calm, confident leadership and a deep understanding of the aviation and logistics sectors. Her influence has helped Swissport maintain high operational standards, attract strategic partnerships, and become a benchmark for excellence in ground and cargo handling services.
As she marks over 20 years with the company, Rachael Ndegwa stands not just as a seasoned executive, but as a trailblazer driving the future of aviation services in Africa.