A DAY IN THE LIFE
GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the industry-
experts what makes them tick…
Matthew Kibby, Regional Director
at VMware Sub-Saharan Africa
Building Africa’s top
virtualisation team
Working closely with his team members,
Matthew Kibby believes in growing them to
overcome local challenges they face.
As the director of VMware Africa’s Sub-Saharan Africa business, Matthew Kibby manages four key offices
located at Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Kibby’s job satisfaction comes from seeing
individuals and teams within the region succeed and grow. For him it is all about the people. “I believe that
it is our people that differentiate us as a business, and my focus has always been, on growing our people.”
His career in technology spans 23 years and for him to pick out a single most memorable achievement is
difficult. However Kibby feels it is about the successful people whose careers he has been able to influence
that also makes him feel that he has achieved something special.
Amongst Kibby’s challenging tasks is conducting business in West Africa. While Kibby points out he has
an amazing team out there, the realities of that region can be somewhat challenging. “Whenever I visit,
I am brought down to earth with a bump experiencing the challenges, which they have to overcome on a
daily basis. If you have never experienced Lagos, do yourself a favour and take a visit to see what and how
business is done,” he reflects.
A look-back moment for Kibby was when he closed his first million plus dollar deal during his successful
sales career. “The absolute adrenalin rush that you get knowing that you are helping your customer and
achieving your sales goals in the process.”
Kibby has always had a passion for electronics, dismantling and assembling components from a young age.
And for him it always felt right to craft a career in this industry. But he still feels, “A career in technology
found me, rather than me finding a career in technology.” His team management philosophy is straight
forward, which is a people centric and people priority approach. “Without people we have no business. I see
my team as my customer base. I am here to make sure that they are empowered and have all they need to
be successful.”
Kibby is passionate about the bush and nature, and spends his downtime with his wife marveling at what
they see and experience. He describes himself as a family man with two daughters and now a grandson
as well. As with all successful executives, he has been fortunate throughout his career to be able to get the
right work-life balance. “Do not ever underestimate the importance of this,” he advises.
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