Telecoms group Telkom has announced the appointment of Transnet group executive Leapeetswe (Papi) Molotsane as its new chief executive officer.
Molotsane, whose appointment is effective from September 1, replaces current CEO Sizwe Nxasana.
Nxasana, who has been in his post since April 1998 decided not to renew his contract for personal reasons. Nxasana will leave Telkom once a structured hand-over process to Molotsane has been completed.
Telkom said in an announcement on Wednesday that Molotsane has a broad-based professional background in engineering, systems, operations, sales, marketing and human resources.
He is a director of Arivia.kom, South Africa’s America’s Cup Challenge and Fike Investment.
His qualifications include a bachelor of science in business, a bachelor of engineering technology and master of science in business administration. He has also completed the Stanford executive programme in the US.
“Mr Molotsane has the skills and the leadership style that the board believes are required to deliver Telkom’s growth strategy and commitments in an increasingly competitive telecommunications environment,” said Telkom chairperson Nomazizi Mtshotshisa.
Said Molotsane: “Telkom’s vision is to be a leading communications provider. Telkom has chosen to increase its focus on specific growth opportunities while continuing to balance the needs of all its stakeholders. I am honoured and inspired to be taking on this role at this time with a mandate to pursue leadership in all spheres of Telkom’s business. I am looking forward to working with the Telkom team and leading Telkom in an exciting and challenging telecommunications market”.
It was also announced that the top structure of Telkom is to be streamlined to ensure optimal reporting lines and executive focus.
Reuben September, currently chief technical officer, has been appointed chief operating officer, while Mandla Ngcobo has been named chief corporate affairs. Ngobo is Telkom’s group executive for legal services at present.
The new structure will take effect from 1 September 2005. -I-Net Bridge