James Ochen is a results-oriented sales and commercial leader with a proven track record of transforming businesses across multinational organizations, including Uganda Breweries Limited/Diageo PLC, British American Tobacco Uganda, and DFCU Bank. Known for building high-performing teams, establishing revenue-driving structures, and delivering sustainable growth through strategic thinking and collaborative leadership.
CURRENT ROLE
Head of Client Coverage | DFCU Bank Leading client coverage strategy to create and increase revenue from targeted existing and new clients. Managing internal stakeholders and facilitating cross-functional collaboration across product areas aligned with the overall business strategy.
CAREER PROGRESSION
- Head of Sales Operations – Diageo PLC / Uganda Breweries Limited
- Divisional Sales Manager – Diageo PLC / Uganda Breweries Limited
- Head Key Accounts – Diageo PLC / Uganda Breweries Limited
- Key Accounts Manager – Diageo PLC / Uganda Breweries Limited
- Entertainment Channel Executive – British American Tobacco Uganda
- Area Manager [Trade Marketing & Distribution] – British American Tobacco Uganda
- Trade Marketing & Distribution Representative – British American Tobacco Uganda
- Credit Officer – Uganda Women’s Efforts to Save Opharns
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Business Transformation & Commercial Excellence
- Key Account & Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Team Building & Talent Development
- Performance Optimization & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Established centralized data systems and enhanced performance reporting frameworks
- Drove profitability improvements and market share growth through streamlined commercial strategies
- Built collaborative environments that align teams around unified objectives for sustained growth
- Recognized as a natural talent incubator that develops high-performing professionals
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Creates environments where people excel through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Balances deep listening with focused execution, fostering safe spaces for learning while maintaining disciplined goal achievement. Leads with simplicity, purpose, and an action-oriented, adaptable mindset.
ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES
Founder | Ozby Group Limited Multi-faceted business encompassing FMCG distribution, sales & commercial capability development, leadership development, podcasting, and charitable initiatives.
CORE VALUES
Passionate about freely sharing knowledge and inspiring others. Committed to continuous learning, adaptability, and building collaborative success that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Journey to the Boardroom prepares tomorrow’s board leaders today. Designed for seasoned professionals, the program transforms career experience into governance excellence by offering practical exposure to board operations and decision-making.
Grounded in inclusivity, talent utilization, succession planning, mentorship, organizational growth, and knowledge transfer, Journey to the Boardroom bridges the gap between corporate experience and strategic leadership.
Its mission is simple: to create a diverse, skilled pool of board-ready professionals who will drive responsible governance and sustainability across sectors.