Karan Group
1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Department: Executive Management
Reports to: Board of Directors
Job Summary
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the organization, ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. The role requires a seasoned leader with strong experience in energy, petroleum, or related industries, capable of navigating complex market dynamics, regulatory environments, and large-scale operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and implement long-term business strategies aligned with market trends, crude price movements, and global energy demand
Drive diversification into new energy streams such as LNG, petrochemicals, renewables, and specialty products
Evaluate investment opportunities, mergers, acquisitions, and major capital projects
Establish strong corporate governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks
Operational Excellence
Oversee core operations including exploration, drilling, refinery operations, supply chain, logistics, HSE, and marketing
Establish and monitor operational KPIs to drive efficiency, productivity, and cost control
Ensure availability of resources, technology, and infrastructure to meet operational targets
Promote best practices in asset reliability, plant optimization, and operational sustainability
Financial Performance & Budgeting
Drive profitability and sustainable financial growth
Approve annual budgets, CAPEX plans, and enforce financial discipline
Work closely with the CFO to strengthen financial reporting, cash flow management, and investor confidence
Manage financial risks related to crude pricing, foreign exchange exposure, and market volatility
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
Champion a strong safety-first culture across all operations
Ensure compliance with national and international health, safety, and environmental regulations
Oversee emergency response planning, disaster management, and loss prevention programs
Regulatory & Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with government authorities, regulators, industry bodies, and community stakeholders
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements relating to licenses, refinery operations, and environmental standards
Represent the organization at industry forums, conferences, and public engagements
Leadership & People Management
Build and lead a high-performing executive and management team
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Drive talent development, succession planning, and performance management initiatives
Business Development & Market Expansion
Identify and pursue new domestic and international market opportunities
Strengthen relationships with global suppliers, traders, refineries, and distributors
Oversee branding, product portfolio expansion, and distribution strategy
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership or CEO-level role
Strong experience in energy, petroleum, mining, or related heavy industrial sectors
Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and operational leadership
Strong understanding of regulatory, HSE, and governance frameworks
Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making skills
Application
Interested candidates should submit their Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and academic qualifications as one PDF file to:
RecruitmentZM@karan.ae
Application Deadline: Friday 6th February 2026