Denham Greig
Incomparable diversity
Q: Was your relocation to Kenya planned or did any circumstances lead you to Nairobi?
A: It wasn’t planned. I was heading a business in Bangladesh as Country Manager and its operations were successful. When a candidate who accepted the role for Africa declined, I was approached by the management to take up the position due to my experience in starting up operations from scratch.
I was happy to accept after nearly seven years in Bangladesh.
Q: What cultural similarities or differences have you noticed between Sri Lanka and Kenya?
A: At first glance, we have largely three ethnic communities in Sri Lanka. But in Kenya, there are 42 tribes and each is diverse from the other. Though English is widely spoken, every tribe has its own dialect and different traditions.
In general, Kenyans are broad-minded and Nairobi in particular is cosmopolitan.
Q: How do you think your experience in different countries has shaped your perspective on global issues?
A: Each country I have lived in and travelled to has its own challenges, as well opportunities. Being able to adapt and overcome challenges, and focus on opportunities, is imperative.
Today, we’re faced with global challenges not only in the form of conflict but also economic downturns. Each challenge has various solutions and these problem solving capabilities are gained through travel experiences.
Q: Are there any particular aspects of Kenyan life that you find intriguing or unique compared to other countries in which you’ve worked and lived?
A: Observing Kenya’s wildlife in Maasai Mara National Reserve is an experience of a lifetime.
Being able to see the ‘Big Five’ (i.e. lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino and elephant) in one location among thousands of wildebeest is breathtaking. And if one is lucky enough to see the wildebeest crossing, that’s another marvel.
Moreover, Nairobi with its mild and temperate weather is one of the best places to live.
Q: What do you miss the most about Sri Lanka while living abroad?
A: Food! There’s nothing like Sri Lankan food anywhere in the world. The diverse flavours and array of food to pick from is unparalleled.
Also being a small island, the easy access to varied landscapes such as beautiful beaches, natural wonders, ancient cultural heritage and lush greenery is unmatched.
Q: Have you had an opportunity to explore other parts of Africa while living in Kenya?
A: While Kenya is my base, I have visited Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Ghana, Togo and Ivory Coast in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Egypt.
Each country has its own culture and the diversity is incomparable. From people and culture to landscape, every country presents a variety of experiences and exhilaration.
Q: And how do you stay connected to your Sri Lankan roots while living on foreign soil?
A: I try to plan at least four trips to Sri Lanka each year while managing my annual leave to travel with family to different destinations as well.
I’m an avid user of WhatsApp, and believe that sharing a simple post can keep you connected to friends and family every day.
Observing Kenya’s wildlife in Maasai Mara National Reserve is an experience of a lifetime
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Wife – Asha
Children – Lance and Tarah
SCHOOLING
St. Joseph’s College
HIGHER EDUCATION
MBA – University of Bedfordshire
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Director of Product Supply, Africa – Kontoor Brands (US)
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Kenya
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Nairobi
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Born to a Burgher family with a Sinhalese mum, Denham Greig grew up in harmony with every ethnicity and believes he is inclusive. With a methodical and compassionate personality, he keeps his work-life balance in check, aims to be inspirational and enjoys mentoring youngsters.
Outgoing, a nature lover and a promoter of environmental sustainability, Greig enjoys all sports although rugby and cricket are his passions.
He also takes delight in meeting people from different countries and cultures. And when time permits, Greig enjoys watching the latest movies at the cinema with sci-fi, action and thrillers being his go-to genres.