This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
From humble beginnings to corporate success ¶
On a recent Zoom interview, Mohamud Salat, the CEO of Hass Petroleum, reflected on his childhood in Garissa County, North Eastern Kenya. Born in a dusty town, he grew up in a large family of nine, where resources were scarce but his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic.
Salat's early life was marked by swimming in the Tana River, often alongside crocodiles, which he recalls as a normal part of his childhood. He attended Garissa High School and later the University of Nairobi, where he studied Economics and later a Master's in Economic Policy Analysis.
After completing his studies, Salat joined KPMG in 2008 as a Senior Advisor, Fragile and Conflicted States, a role he held until 2013. He then joined Hass Petroleum as Group Head, Internal Audit, before being appointed as CFO five years later. In 2020, he became the CEO of the company, overseeing 1,200 employees across nine African countries and an investment worth $220 million.
At 35, Salat is one of the youngest CEOs in the industry. When asked about his childhood, he recalled the simplicity of village life, where children ran freely and there were no fences or boundaries. He credits his upbringing for shaping his career and instilling in him a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
Salat's passion for helping others has led him to be involved with the Kenya Red Cross, where he serves on the board. He believes that achieving balance in one's life is key to happiness, and that includes a balance between religion, career, and family.
When asked about his struggles as a man, not a CEO, Salat reflected on the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of businesses. He also spoke about his decision to donate his expensive watch collection, which he had accumulated over the years, to friends and family, and how it led to a more fulfilling life.
