CONSUMER staples concern Tanganda Tea Company has appointed Sharon Nyasha Kodzanai (pictured above) as chief executive officer with effect from January 12.
Kodzanai replaces Timothy James Graham Fennell, who will step down from the position with effect from March 31 after 15 years of service to the company. During the three-month notice period, Fennell will facilitate a smooth handover of responsibilities, Tanganda said in a statement.
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the tea producer, which is seeking to raise US$8 million from existing shareholders to reboot the business amid declining revenues and pressures in formal retail markets.
Until her appointment, Kodzanai had been the company secretary, a role she has held since 2022. She is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in finance, governance, operations and administration.
Tanganda said Kodzanai has built an exceptional career within the group over the past 20 years, having held various senior leadership roles in finance and administration, while also gaining professional experience in the hospitality and agri-business sectors.
“The board congratulates Sharon on her appointment and wishes her every success as she leads the company towards sustainable growth, operational resilience and long-term value creation,” the statement said.
Kodzanai’s appointment coincides with plans to raise fresh capital. In a cautionary statement issued last week, Tanganda said it was finalising the preparation of a circular to shareholders, including notice to convene an extraordinary general meeting to consider and approve the capital raise.
In its financial results for the year ended September 30, 2025, Tanganda reported a decline in revenue to US$19,2 million from US$25,8 million in the previous year.
- ‘Zim has capacity to produce 12 tonnes macadamia nuts per hectare’
- Tanganda defends turf, as Peru swamps markets
- Tanganda revenue surges 48%
- Tanganda remains optimistic in ‘difficult’ terrain
Keep Reading
The company attributed the drop to late rains and heat stress that affected plantations during the early part of the season.
Tanganda also said challenges in formal retail markets weighed on beverage division volumes in the first half of the financial year, although volumes rebounded in the second half following changes in the government’s exchange rate policy.
