Founder

Cheryl Mills

Cheryl Mills is founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackIvy Group. Prior to BlackIvy, Ms. Mills served as Chief of Staff to Secretary Hillary Clinton and Counselor to the U.S. Department of State, where she managed foreign policy and operational priorities of the $55 billion agency that employs more than 20,000 officials across 180 countries.

She supervised priority policy areas, including the Obama Administration’s $3.5 billion global hunger and food security initiative spanning 19 countries, 12 in Africa, and diplomacy and development efforts in Haiti.

From 2002 – 2008, Ms. Mills served as Senior Vice President for Administration and Operations as well as General Counsel at New York University, one of the nation’s largest private universities, where she negotiated the structure, framework, terms and conditions for the establishment of the University’s campus in Abu Dhabi.

Chief Executive Officer

Chris Coulson

As a seasoned real-estate executive with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Chris Coulson currently serves as the CEO at IndigoHomes, a division of BlackIvy – a U.S. holding company focused on building, operating, and scaling businesses across essential sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Under his leadership, IndigoHomes has played a crucial role in developing vibrant, secure, and affordably priced residential communities, expanding housing options in Accra and Nairobi.

Prior to his current role, Chris held the position of Managing Director at Garden City Business Park and Mi Vida Homes, overseeing the ongoing development of Kenya’s first mixed-use scheme. As MD for Mi Vida Homes, he successfully established and led a $100 million residential platform in collaboration with Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji, targeting the middle-income homeowner and investor sectors in Kenya.

Chris’s extensive experience includes roles such as Managing Director at Squarepoint, where he contributed to real estate developments across Colombia, Chile, and Peru. As Development Director at Squarestone, he managed the sourcing and delivery of multiple shopping mall developments in Brazil.

A former board member of UK Colombia Trade, Chris consistently demonstrates his adeptness in navigating the complexities of emerging markets and driving success. His ongoing commitment to quality, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of market dynamics has positioned him as a highly regarded figure in the African real estate industry.

Project Director

Wade Kilburn

Wade Kilburn is a seasoned international real estate and construction professional with over 15 years of experience. With a proven track record, Wade excels in Professional Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Project delivery and controls, technical due diligence studies, fund monitoring/advisory, and liaising with banks and legal entities on contractual matters. His expertise extends to change management and construction contracts management.

Having been involved in all facets of the built environment and project delivery, Wade’s comprehensive experience covers feasibility studies, project team setup, design reviews, estimates and detailed costs, value engineering, procurement, construction implementation, quality control, project cost and schedule monitoring, commissioning and handover. This breadth of knowledge provides him with a unique skill set that contributes holistically to all phases of the project life cycle.

Before assuming his current role as Project Director for IndigoHomes, Wade served as the Operation Director for the internationally recognized MaceYMR LLP in Kenya. In this position, he worked on diverse projects ranging from residential and industrial to retail, office, hospitality, and educational sectors. Wade has also held the role of Associate at the global firm AECOM in South Africa and Kenya.

Wade holds a Property Development degree with an Honours in Quantity Surveying/Cost Management and is professionally registered in both South Africa (SACSQP) and Kenya (BORAQS). His commitment to ongoing professional development, industry success, and his ability to shape the Kenyan skyline is a testament to his dedication to excellence.

Commercial Director

Violet Wokabi

Violet is a seasoned Real Estate and Accounting professional with over 20 years of experience. Her successful history includes roles in Property Sales, Leasing, Feasibility Studies, Business Development, Financial Analysis and Accounting in Kenya and the Cayman Islands. As the Commercial Director of IndigoHomes, Violet has been developing and implementing commercial strategies to achieve the company’s business objectives.

She brings a profound understanding of the Kenyan real estate and investment sector, particularly in residential housing. Before joining IndigoHomes, she served as the Sales Manager at Two Rivers and Garden City, overseeing residential sales in two of Kenya’s significant mixed-use developments and generating combined sales exceeding $35 Million over a 4-year period.

In the realm of accounting, Violet held key positions such as Chief Accountant at Gimco Limited, Accounting Manager at the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, and Senior Fund Accountant at Fortis Fund Solutions (Cayman Islands).

Violet holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Nairobi, is a C.P.A Finalist, and holds an Oxford Real Estate Programme Certificate from the University of Oxford’s Said Business School.

Marketing & Communications Manager

Njeri Kanyara

Njeri Kanyara is a seasoned Marketing and Communications Professional with a decade-long track record in shaping and executing marketing and brand strategies. Her expertise lies in driving demand generation, expanding brand influence, and bolstering revenues.

Throughout her illustrious career, Njeri has held key roles that underscore her proficiency in the field. Notable positions include serving as the Marketing Manager at Geddo Limited, the Trade Marketing Manager at Kansai Plascon Kenya Ltd, and the Head of Department at Basco Products Kenya Ltd (Duracoat).

Njeri holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) degree in Marketing from Africa Nazarene University and a Diploma in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Beyond her resume, Njeri is driven by a genuine passion for pioneering innovative campaigns, fostering lasting partnerships, and playing a pivotal role in propelling business growth through strategic marketing initiatives. Her dynamic approach and impactful strides in the field mark Njeri as a standout professional, dedicated to making a lasting mark in the world of marketing and communications.

Sales Manager

Teddy Okonji

Teddy Okonji is a professional, energetic, and personable salesperson with 11 years of experience in Real Estate.

Over the years, he has had a proven track record in managing teams, developing successful sales campaigns, and implementing data-driven decision-making processes.

His experiences from past real estate companies including The Saruni, Mi Vida Homes, Vaal Real Estate, and Villa Care have bolstered his skills in collaboration, coaching, and compliance with a strong commitment to achieving sales targets and exceeding customer expectations.

Teddy holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) degree in Marketing from The University of Nairobi and a Real Estate Property Management and agency from the Institute of Pension Management.

In his free time, Teddy is a social being who loves outdoor spaces and playing board games including Monopoly, chess, and Scrabble.

Sales Executive

Kathy Wanjiku Gitau

Kathy is a corporate sales executive with extensive expertise in generating new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, and maintaining customer relationships in a competitive and dynamic market.

In her recent role at Kocela Limited, She closed multiple deals with large clients, increasing the company’s revenue and market share by 15% in the last year. She collaborates with cross-functional departments and external partners to deliver optimal results, demonstrating her project management, marketing and communication skills.

Kathy is passionate about learning and developing her skills in business management and marketing. She is currently enrolled in the Forward program at Mckinsey, a prestigious and selective professional course that prepares emerging leaders for the future of work. She also holds a business management certificate from European business school Luxembourg and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Maseno University.

Kathy is keen to apply her knowledge and experience to create value and impact in her current and future roles. She is motivated by challenges, opportunities, and innovation, and strives to exceed expectations and achieve excellence.

Sales Executive

Margaret Wamuyu Wangeci

Margaret Wamuyu is a real estate professional with over 10 years experience in the real estate industry. She has a natural kick for communication, clear expectations, excellent customer service skills and strives to provide high quality personalised service to each and every person she works with.

Having worked with different companies in the Real estate field, she has cultivated the skills to stay patient, persistent and provide the highest level of customer service by understanding the importance of follow-ups, personal relationships and her customers’ needs. In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and engaging in volunteer work.

Office Administrator

Alexandria Murage

Alexandria Murage is a result-driven Office Administrator with a proven track record in streamlining office operations.Proficient in managing office administration tasks,implementing efficient processes and coordinating schedules.

Alexandria has held key roles that have highlighted her expertise in the field throughout her career.Significant positions include when she was the Office Manager at PassionProfit Limited where she outdid her skills in utilizing office software and demonstrating strong organization skills.

Alexandria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurship from Moi University and a Google Digital Certificate on the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing.

Alexandria’s skills stand out in her enthusiasm for finding solutions to different problems at hand and maintaining a productive and well organized environment so as to better the lives of people.