10th March, 2011
Mobile operator MTN Group (MTN) on Thursday announced several leadership changes in its African operations, including the appointment of Ahmed Faroukh as its vice-president for the west and central Africa region, according to online reports from South Africa, quoting the company.
Faroukh was previously CEO of MTN Nigeria, a role he played for almost five years, and recently acting vice-president for the west and central Africa region, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Congo Brazaville, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia and Benin.
Brett Goschen, CEO of MTN Ghana, was set to be appointed as the new CEO of MTN Nigeria. Goschen, a chartered accountant, had provided strategic, operating and financial leadership to MTN’s large operations in west Africa in his capacity as CFO of MTN Nigeria from 2002 to 2006 before he was appointed MTN Ghana CEO.
In Ghana, Goschen would be replaced by Michael Ikpoki, the sales and distribution executive for MTN Nigeria. Ikpoki joined MTN Nigeria as regulatory adviser in 2001 and was promoted to general manager of regulatory affairs in 2004.
MTN Group president and CEO Phuthuma Nhleko congratulated the executives on their appointments. “Faroukh’s contribution to MTN Nigeria as well as to the west and central Africa region has been most valued and appreciated. Goschen’s wide experience and in-depth knowledge of MTN Group and MTN Nigeria makes him aptly equipped to lead MTN Nigeria.
“Through his exposure to various facets of the business, Ikpoki has gained extensive experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, as well as exposure to sales and distribution and commercial operations at a senior level. On behalf of the MTN board, I wish Faroukh, Goschen and Ikpoki all the very best in their new roles,†Nhleko said.
Nhleko was also set to step down at the end of March to serve as a non-executive director of the MTN Group and as chairman of MTN International. He would be replaced by current chief operating officer Sifiso Dabengwa as group CEO. – I-Net Bridge
