About
BigCold specializes in bespoke supply chain solutions across East Africa, operating from our bases in Nairobi and Naivasha, Kenya. We expertly manage products within temperature-controlled environments—frozen, chilled, and ambient-controlled—using vehicles and facilities equipped with state-of-the-art real-time monitoring systems and backup power solutions. Our network extends to over 200 retail outlets, 175 hotels and restaurants, and more than 100 institutions and establishments across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Our experienced team excels in the storage and timely delivery of perishable goods, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition and at the precise temperature required.
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Newton Matope
PRESIDENT, BigCold
Newton Matope has more than 30 years of supply chain management experience in cold chain, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), ship supply, and catering and life support services, with a successful track record of managing procurement, storage and delivery of perishable products in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Newton has worked in leadership positions in procurement and supply chain management for Reckitt Benckiser (RB) plc, GCC Services DMCC (Agility Group), Sodexo, and Seven Seas Group. He has experience procuring and delivering food rations to the UN Peacekeeping Missions in Sudan, Cyprus and South Sudan. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), Newton received his MBA from the University of Zimbabwe and a Post Graduate Diploma in Procurement & Supply from CIPS (UK).
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Griff Murray
DIRECTOR, BlackIvy, EAST AFRICA REGION
Griff Murray oversees the business and strategic development of BlackIvy’s companies in East Africa. Prior to joining BlackIvy, Griff served as Head of Corporate Strategy and a member of the Executive Committee at the Export Trading Group (ETG), one of Africa’s largest supply chain managers. Griff, who has been based in Tanzania for almost a decade, received his MBA and MPP from the University of Chicago and his BA from Dartmouth College.
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Peter Juma Echulet
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Peter Juma Echulet brings more than ten years of experience in procurement and supply chain management to BigCold. He came to BigCold from Deacons, one of East Africa’s leading apparel retailers with more than 10 stores in Nairobi. At Deacons, Peter was responsible for warehousing and logistics, including supervising storage, inventory management and timely distribution of Adidas, Rebook and other apparel. Peter holds a BA of Commerce & Logistics from Daystar University and a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
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Abunery Okumu
LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT MANAGER
Abunery Okumu Omukuba brings more than fifteen years of experience in logistics and transport management to BigCold. He came to BigCold after more than a decade of managing the transport, distribution and logistics for one of Kenya’s leading Agri-businesses, coordinating a fleet of more than 120 vehicles; supervising the supply chain, transport and logistics for one of Kenya’s leading recycling companies; and overseeing the daily transport, logistics and delivery of food to one of Kenya’s leading catering firms. Abu holds certifications from the Kenya Institute of Project Management and Nairobi Institute of Business Studies.
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Sharon Opondo
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Sharon Opondo brings more than ten years of experience in human resources management and administration to BigCold. She came to BigCold after more than a decade of providing talent management and human resources support to several large companies in Kenya, including Java House Africa and UNGA Farmcare (EA) Ltd. Sharon has experience in managing diverse human resources functions, including staffing, training, employee relations, compensation, benefits administration and risk management. Sharon holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (with a minor in Business Administration) from Strathmore University.
