Safaricom Board Chairman and director John Ngumi has stepped down from the position barely five months after his appointment.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the telco operator said Mr. Ngumi who assumed the role on August 1, 2022, resigned last month.
“The board announces the resignation of Mr John Ngumi as a director and consequently as the chairman of the board with effect from 22nd December 2022. The new chairman will be elected by the board of directors in the coming weeks,” read the notice in part.
The telecommunications giant attributed Mr. Ngumi’s resignation to a new role in the development of green energy across the continent.
“John leaves the Board to focus on developing green energy generation across Africa with an emphasis on green hydrogen. We take this opportunity to thank John for his service, dedication, sound advice and commitment to the Company. The Board wishes him the very best for the future,” the board stated.
The company also commended Ngumi for his contribution to the telco, citing the enhancement of Fuliza products during his tenure and its network roll-out in Ethiopia last year.
“In the brief period following his appointment to the Board, John has provided a wealth of industry knowledge and vast expertise. In particular, John strongly supported and ensured the repositioning of the Fuliza product to better serve Kenyans. He was also an ardent enthusiast for Safaricorn’s entry into Ethiopia,” Safaricom stated.
High Court advocate Adil Arshed Khawaja was at the same time appointed as Safaricom’s director effective December 2022, and the Board has already approved his new position.
“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Adil Arshed Khawaja (MB 5) as a Director in Safaricom PLC with effect from 22nd December 2022 (now past). The appointment which was approved by the Board of Directors on 5th January 2023, is subject to regulatory approval,” added the notice.
Prior to his appointment, Khawaja was the Managing Partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, the oldest law firm in Kenya.
He boasts over 30 years of experience having served in a similar position at KCB Bank Group, Kenya Power and Lighting Company and as a Trustee of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Additional reporting by Citizen Digital
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