Farah Esmail

Managing Partner, East Africa

Farah Esmail is an accomplished lawyer and strategic business advisor with 20 years’ experience in North America and Africa, and a focus on hiring exceptional talent for emerging markets, social impact, and social enterprise. Her strong background in senior management roles, in corporate governance, legal, strategy and HR make her an invaluable resource to clients in developing strategies and recruiting leadership to drive sustainable growth and make an impact.

Professional Focus

  • 20 years’ experience in senior leadership, corporate governance, human resources, consulting, and commercial/corporate law
  • Advises social enterprises and social impact organizations, as well as start-ups, family-run businesses and multinationals in a range of industries
  • Board services, including board training, retreats, evaluations, appointments, family constitution and performance improvement
  • Deep expertise in business and human capital strategy, organizational change, compliance, risk management, business development, strategic partnerships, international best practices
  • Extensive international experience in North America and across Africa
  • Adept at working in multicultural teams and a vast demographic, with strong understanding of cultural, local, regional and international team dynamics
  • Fluent in English

Business Expertise

  • Head of Kenya at a global board consulting and search firm based in Nairobi, Kenya
  • HR and Legal Director, East Africa at KK Security (a GardaWorld company), Nairobi, Kenya
  • Group Head of Legal and Human Resources, East Africa Region at Orbit Chemical Industries, Nairobi, Kenya
  • VP and Senior Legal Counsel, Africa Region at Bridge International Academies, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Senior Manager of Board Services of the Toronto District School Board, Toronto, Canada
  • Senior Legal Counsel at Connections Education LLC, Baltimore, U.S.
  • Civil Litigation Associate at Zeppieri and Associates, Toronto, Canada
  • Commercial Litigation Associate at Beard Winter LLP, Toronto, Canada

Additional Expertise

  • Corporate Governance/Board Services
  • Internet Governance
  • Social Enterprise/Social Impact
  • Legal Services
  • Human Resources
  • Education
  • Professional Services
  • FMCG
  • Security
  • Technology

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

  • MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, Toronto, Canada
  • JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Canada
  • BS (Hons.) in environmental science from University of Toronto, Canada
  • Ontario Bar Admission, Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto
  • Harvard University Certificate Course: Entrepreneurship for Emerging Economies
  • Sirdar Applied Directorship Programme Certificate Course: Corporate Governance

Affiliations & Awards

  • CMO Asia Africa's Woman Leadership Award, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Chair, Boyden Global Emerging Markets Committee
  • Member, Boyden Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Panellist, World Woman Leadership Congress, Mumbai, India
  • Advisory Board member and Panelist, Age of Africa Symposium, University of Toront, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
  • Board Director, Merican Limited, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Board Director, Sohail Regency Management Ltd., Nairobi, Kenya
  • Board Director, Sports for Change, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Advisor to the Nairobi Securities Exchange and contributes to the ongoing Capital Markets Authority governance regulatory review.
  • Board member and various officer positions, Association of Corporate Counsel, U.S., Canada and Kenya
  • Judge, National Bodybuilding Championship (2018), Kenya Bodybuilding Federation, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Organizing Committee Member, Wild Charge animal conservation non-profit, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Trustee, The Mango Tree Trust education non-profit, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Board Member and Chair, Back on My Feet homeless assistance non-profit, Baltimore, U.S.
Office Location Map

East Africa

40 School Lane
Westlands
Nairobi
Kenya
Case Studies
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Elevating IT Excellence: An Ivy League University’s Search for Top Talent
Orchestrating a 'Picture-Perfect' AVP Recruitment at UCF

In a pivotal phase of growth, the University of Central Florida's Advancement & Partnerships Division partnered with Boyden to recruit an Associate Vice President of Advancement Operations, marking their third collaborative effort. As stated by the SVP of Advancement and Partnerships, here, we share how Boyden orchestrated a "picture-perfect" search to secure a strategic leader pivotal to UCF's advancement goals.
Driving Growth in Higher Education: Harnessing Data for Success

Our client, a leading private market solutions provider in higher education, grappled with leveraging dispersed data to drive innovation. Seeking to empower its university's mission, the organization embarked on a transformative journey, pivotal to which was the search for a Chief Data Officer.
Thought Leadership
View All
Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?

Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean

A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Blog Post
Navigating the Executive Talent Paradox: Strategies for Differentiation

Explore the challenges and opportunities organizations face in aligning talent with strategic objectives to drive growth and success
Boyden Executive Survey
Latin America Regional Analysis: Strengthening the human-centric core of Industry 5.0

How can organisations thrive in a complex world of risk?
Media
View All
Breakfast with Boyden: Jamie Graceffa
Video
Boyden with Texas A&M: What we Celebrate and what we Tolerate
Podcast
Breakfast with Boyden: Leslie Smith
Video
Breakfast with Boyden: Christal Cherry
Video
News & Events
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Press Release
Boyden Sees Strong Growth in East Africa, Focused on Social Impact, Healthcare, Education, Private Equity and High Growth Start-ups

Boyden hires new Partner Farah Esmail in East Africa, as client needs drive growth in leadership for multinationals, social impact, family and private equity-backed businesses
Event
investinher - A International Women's Day Event featuring Boyden's Farah Esmail

A panel discussion with networking opportunities, presented by Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Ltd. 
Press Release
ICANN’s 2023 Nominating Committee Announces Leadership Selections

Boyden is pleased to share the board appointment news of Dr. Catherine Adeya, a recruitment led by Farah Esmail

Contact Farah Esmail today and let's get started

Office Location Map

East Africa

40 School Lane
Westlands
Nairobi
Kenya
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