By Gbenga Abulude
MTN Group Limited has appointed new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ralph Mupita to pilot affairs of the company in Africa.
Mr Mupita’s appointment is in line with MTN’s policy of appointing internal candidates.
This development was contained in a statement issued by the company.
Mr Mupita, will on September 1, 2020, take over from Mr Rob Shuter.
MTN Group chairman, Mr Mcebisi Jonas, revealed that the new CEO’s appointment followed a thorough and extensive search process.
Mr Jonas says, “We are pleased to have appointed someone of Ralph’s calibre, experience and ability to fill the group president and CEO position. Ralph’s experience as the group’s CFO, strong knowledge of our businesses and markets, as well as a successful background in financial services, M&A and emerging markets, place him in an excellent position to lead the growth and sustainability of the business going forward,”
In the mean time, Mr Shuter will remain with MTN until the end of his fixed-term contract in early 2021 when he will leave to join BT Group Plc as head of the British operators’ enterprise division.
It is important to note that Rob Shuter was named CEO in 2016, after making a move from Vodafone Group Plc.
His task then was to revive MTN, following clashes with the authorities over undocumented subscribers in Nigeria, which had caused the company a $1 billion fine.
Similarly, Mupita became MTN’s Chief Financial Officer in 2017, after spending about 20 years at South African insurer, Old Mutual Ltd.
Mupita who is a graduate of Harvard Business School helped in the execution of a strategy that has seen MTN dispose of some of its assets like telecom towers, whilst concentrating on fewer markets.
Mupita expressed his enthusiasm to take up the position and work with stakeholders.
An announcement will be made in September concerning the new group’s CFO.
