Johannesburg - Cellular giant MTN had appointed Mteto Nyati, a former Microsoft executive, to lead its South African business, Africa’s largest cellular operator said yesterday.
“The appointment of a leader of Nyati’s calibre and competencies will greatly enhance our efforts to strengthen the confidence of our customers and reinvigorate our people,” MTN chief executive Sifiso Dabengwa said.
Nyati joined MTN last year as group chief enterprise officer.
He was previously Microsoft’s managing director of the company’s South African business and general manager of the Middle East and Africa.
Nyati replaces Ahmad Farroukh, who resigned last week citing personal reasons.
Farroukh, who joined MTN with the acquisition of Investcom in 2006, has since been appointed as the new chief executive of Etihad Etisalat, Saudi Arabian second-largest telecommunication operator.
His resignation came amid speculation owing to the loss of lucrative corporate contracts and the strike which negatively affected the group.
Farroukh also acted as the group chief operating officer and vice-president of the west and central Africa region.
Nyati’s appointment comes as the company has been battling strikes over pay and bonuses in its home market, where sales have declined because of competition and price cuts imposed by regulators.
MTN had about 228 million subscribers across 22 countries at the end of March.
The company’s biggest market by subscribers is Nigeria followed by Iran and then South Africa.
MTN is battling regulatory pressure and tough competition in Nigeria and South Africa.
The share price yesterday slid 0.12 percent yesterday to close at R216.64.
Business Report