MTN Group CEO Sifiso
Dabengwa has lost his job over the $5.2 billion fine slammed on the company by
Nigeria’s Communications commission.
Dabengwa will leave
MTN with immediate effect, MTN said in a statement
to shareholders early on Monday morning.
His exit which MTN
is describing as a resignation — comes amid the record-setting US$5,2bn fine
imposed by a Nigerian regulator after the group’s Nigerian operation allegedly
failed to disconnect 5,1m unregistered Sim cards.
“Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances
occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the Company and its
shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect,” stated
Sifiso Dabengwa.
Nhleko, the current Non-executive Chairman has agreed
to act as Executive Chairman for a maximum period of 6 months while the Company
identifies a successor for Mr Dabengwa.
Nhleko is no stranger to the business as he served as
Non-executive Director and Chairman of MTN from July 2001 until June 2002 and
thereafter as an executive director, Group President and CEO until March 2011.
He has subsequently chaired the Group in a Non-executive capacity for the past
two and a half years (29 May 2013).
“I will assume responsibility as Executive Chairman
for the next 6 months as I proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and
will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered
subscribers as a matter of urgency,” commented Nhleko.
To ensure compliance with King III, Mr Alan van
Biljon will continue to serve as the Lead Independent Director on the MTN board
of directors (“MTN Board”) whilst Mr Nhleko takes over executive
responsibility.
“Together with the MTN Board, my second priority will
be to find an appropriate Chief Executive Officer to take MTN forward. I will
then revert to my Non-executive Chairman role,” concluded Nhleko.
Stakeholders are reminded that MTN will continue to
inform them of any material engagements with the Nigerian authorities via the
Stock Exchange News Service of the JSE Limited (SENS).
Shareholders are advised to continue to exercise
caution when dealing in the Company’s securities until a further announcement
is made.
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