SOUTH AFRICA -Telkom South Africa group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sipho Maseko is leaving the telecommunications company after eight years at the helm.
In a press statement, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed firm says Maseko will step down as group CEO and executive director of Telkom and its subsidiaries on 30 June 2022.
The process to appoint a successor is well underway and a designated group CEO will be announced in the not too distant future, says the telco.
The statement added that Maseko would, for the remainder of his tenure, ensure the incoming group CEO’s orderly transition into the role.
Maseko joined Telkom from Vodacom on 1 April 2013, at a time when the organisation faced severe challenges.
He was appointed MD of Vodacom South Africa and Chief Operations Officer of the Vodacom Group in September 2011.
He resigned from the position with immediate effect, in June 2012, with Vodacom saying at the time that Maseko had decided to leave to pursue other interests.
Telkom noted that during his eight-year tenure, he turned the business around and evolved it from a traditional fixed business to a portfolio comprising the mobile, IT, wholesale infrastructure business and the masts and tower portfolio.
“During his tenure, he turned the business around and evolved it from a traditional fixed business to a portfolio of businesses, which comprises the mobile, IT and wholesale infrastructure businesses, and the masts & towers portfolio,”
Under his leadership, the group has had many strategic achievements in the execution of its broadband-led strategy, which are reflected in the group’s current healthy position, the company notes.
“The mobile business grew to become the third-largest mobile business in South Africa with more than 15 million customers and generating US$1.36 billion in revenue”
Telkom SA
It adds the mobile business grew to become the third-largest mobile business in South Africa, with more than 15 million customers, generating R20 billion (US$1.36 billion) revenue.
In its latest results published in May, Telkom posted strong results, as the telecoms operator saw revenue from next-generation technologies surge, to now make up the lion’s share of its income.
The company said despite a challenging environment, group revenue grew 0.4% to R43.2 billion (US$2.93 billion).
According to the firm, its fibre footprint was expanded and the fixed customer base was migrated to new technologies (fibre and LTE).
To date, it notes, the number of homes connected with fibre exceeds the number of homes connected with copper.
The group diversified the revenue pool, acquiring an IT business, and commercialised under-utilised infrastructure assets such as masts, towers and data centres, it says.
“The board would like to thank Sipho for his exemplary leadership, his contribution to Telkom and its shareholders, and looks forward to further value enhancement during his remaining term.”
Prior to joining Vodacom, Maseko held the position of CEO of BP Southern Africa, since 2008. Before taking the top spot, Maseko spent about 14 years in several senior executive positions at the local arm of the multinational oil and gas company.
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