Hustle East Africa Magazine interviews Mr. Sam Odhiambo, head of Samsung’s Consumer Electronics Division. Excerpts.
Briefly introduce yourself
My name is Sam Odhiambo, I head the Consumer Electronics Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa. I represent 15 countries within the wider Eastern African region
When did you join Samsung Electronics? I joined Samsung soon after university, nearly fifteen years ago. Samsung was just setting up an office in Kenya and they went out to different Kenyan universities looking for high-performing students that they can take back to Korea for training. I happened to be one of the students. I went through a rigorous training programme in Korea for about one year and landed an opportunity to work at the Samsung head office in Korea for one year. A year later I came back to Kenya and started working at Samsung. So I have grown from a trainee to the head of the department.
What is the best part of working with Samsung? Samsung products are categorised as fast-moving goods, with this no day is the same. I like the versatility, the opportunity to interact with different people from different cultures. I also love interacting with the technology that Stheamsung is constantly churning out.
How is the career growth with Samsung?
When in university my plan was to go into banking. However, when the opportunity to join Samsung came knocking I took it and started from the bottom as a management trainee and now I head the Consumer electronics department representing 15 countries, with team members spread across the key markets within the region.
Why did you join Samsung? Did anything inspire you?
I did not plan to join Samsung. The opportunity came and I thought that I should try it out. However, over the years my love for technology has really grown and I really enjoy my job. So I can proudly say that it was a good move.
What is your educational background? I have a B.com degree in marketing and MBA in Strategic management.
How many years have you been with Samsung? I have been with Samsung for 13 years now (3 years in Korea which were largely in college and HQ training and thereafter 10 years in Kenya till now).
What has been your experience with Samsung over all these years. I would say my experience has been great. Working with a multinational like Samsung is both rewarding and very eye opening and presents different opportunities to interact with all types of people from different cultures. It also presents challenges and opportunities to be creative. The ever constant pressure to be ahead of the game keeps anyone very involved.
How have you managed to work with Samsung for all these years and what does it take?
The technology industry is very demanding and one must be able to keep up with the latest technology as well as understand what is being produced and how to sell it to the customers. Case in point is that we have recently launched the 2022 Neo QLED TV. My position requires me to completely understand the new technology as well as how to position it in this market in order to achieve sales targets.
In addition to this, I also believe in giving everything I do my best. So I can say that I have stayed and grown in Samsung because of giving my best as well as my work ethic. It takes commitment and consistency to ensure that targets are met each and every time. People skills are also important because you need to relate well with the employers, with the team that works with you, stakeholders as well as customers.
What is your greatest achievement in your role as head of the Consumer Electronics division? And how has it made you feel?
I have two achievements that I am really proud of. The first one was my role during the Government led Digital migration. I understood what the Government was trying to achieve and transferred that information to our tech development team in the factory, the result of this was Samsung being the first TV manufacturer to get approval from Communication Authority to distribute digital TVs in Kenya.
The second one has been my role in growing and maintaining the TV market in the greater East African region. Samsung has been voted the best TV globally for the last 16 years and I have been part of that and it makes me proud. We are currently pushing our home appliances range to be able to take a similar position within the regional market.
How have you been able to beat monotony? Tell us your tricks
In the electronics industry no day is the same. However, there are some tasks that can be monotonous like report generation, what I have thought works is approaching such tasks with a positive attitude, understand that you have to go through the whole process for a project to be successful.
Do you intend to work with Samsung till you retire? So far so good. Samsung is a good employer and I have no complaints. So the answer is yes. I have grown into different roles over the years and I believe that I will continue to grow. There is however new and young talent being churned all around. I may have to create space when that need arises some day in the future. Lets wait and see.
Advice to young people who change jobs every now and then?
My advice is to be patient and to give whatever role they are in their very best and they will definitely see the results. Rome was not built in a day. Work hard, its never killed anyone, and trust the process it all comes together eventually.
What does a day in your life look like?
There is what I would wish my typical day to be and also what the business demands turn out to be each and every day. Nevertheless, my typical day starts around 6am and ends at about 6pm. It starts with calls, chats, team virtual meetings from the different East African countries followed by meetings with the local teams. Afternoons are ideally for trade and market visits where we try to go around the market to engage with the different Samsung partners and their stores. We also walk around to see what the competition is doing and gather consumer feedback on our products. Other days I travel to the different markets within the region, no day is the same but given the chance I wouldnt do it any other way.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
