Telkom gets new boss

Telkom has appointed Sipho Maseko, former managing director of Vodacom South Africa, as its new CEO to replace Nombulelo Moholi, and promoted Telkom Business head Brian Armstrong to COO.

The Telkom Board yesterday announced the appointment of Sipho Maseko, former managing director of Vodacom South Africa, as Group Chief Executive Officer and executive director of Telkom Group with effect from 1 April 2013.

Telkom also announced that it is appointing Managing Director of Telkom Business Dr Brian Armstrong as Group Chief Operating Officer. Telkom Business has been the star performing unit within the troubled Telkom group.

These appointments come on the eve of the departure of the incumbent Group Chief Executive Officer, Nombulelo Moholi, at the end of March 2013, following her resignation in November 2012. ‚”The appointment of a seasoned executive with telecommunications experience is another building block in Telkom’s turnaround process‚”, said Jabu Mabuza, the Telkom chairman. ‚”The objective of Telkom’s turnaround is to deliver sustainable performance. It is a strategy that requires a strong leadership team with the ability to ensure performance and execution and gain the support of all its stakeholders.‚”

Mr Mabuza said the Board followed a thorough governance process in making these appointments.

‚”We instructed the executive search consultants to cast a wide net, so that we could choose from the best candidates,” he said. “”The Board has full confidence in the capabilities of our new Group Chief Executive to be a strong strategic leader, able to gain the support of all stakeholders in dealing with Telkom’s turnaround challenges. We are also confident that the appointment of Brian Armstrong as Group COO ensures business performance for our customers during the turnaround process.‚””

Mr Mabuza also said that part of the process included consultation with key stakeholders about the Board’s decision. He wished outgoing GCEO Nombulelo Moholi well and thanked her for her contribution to the group.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Maseko said: ‚””Telkom is a great asset for South Africa and I am privileged to be entrusted with its leadership. I am determined that we’ll earn the trust of all our stakeholders the old-fashioned way, by delivering results. Having spoken earlier today to Brian Armstrong, I am delighted that he shares this focus and look forward to working with him.‚””

Dr Armstrong said he is delighted about working with Sipho Maseko and excited about serving as Group COO: ‚””Telkom has tough challenges and Sipho is clearly the right man to lead us.‚””

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