Miss Namibia chief executive steps down after 35 years

Miss Namibia Organisation chief executive Umbi Karuaihe-Upi has announced her departure after 35 years with the national pageant and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.

She confirmed her exit to The Namibian on Saturday.

Karuaihe-Upi has described her departure as the end of a long career in broadcasting and pageantry.

“Finally, after 35 years of a successful and illustrious career at the NBC and Miss Namibia Organisation, I’m saying adios,” she says.

Karuaihe-Upi in a statement thanks the public and her colleagues for their support over the years.

“My gratitude first goes to the Namibian people who made my career relevant since day one,” she says.

She says she is leaving the organisation in a stable condition.

“I’m so proud to leave behind an institution that remains structurally sound, nationally relevant and well-poised for continuity,” she says.

Karuaihe-Upi says succession planning and sustainability were key priorities during her leadership.

“My priority during this transition has been sustainability and orderly succession, ensuring that the Miss Namibia Organisation continues to serve Namibia as a national asset built through collective effort,” she says.

She says she plans to pursue personal goals after stepping down.

“Thirty-five years of experience is not a joke,” she says, adding she is happy and grateful to continue pursuing long-delayed ambitions.

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