MTN taps Rob Shuter as new CEO

Vodafone’s CEO of the European cluster Rob Shuter has been named as the CEO of MTN Group, Africa and Middle East’s biggest mobile phone operator. Shuter is also a former CEO of Vodafone Netherlands and ex-Vodacom chief financial officer. By Staff Writer

“Rob may commence as soon as it is practically possible in 2017 but no later than 1 July 2017 after the completion of his contractual obligations,” MTN informed investors on Monday morning.

Shuter has extensive experience in telecoms and banking having held senior management roles at Vodacom Group, Standard Bank and Nedbank prior to joining Vodafone Group.

“MTN is confident that Rob will bring experience and new insights to the CEO role having had many years in the telecoms sector both in Africa and Europe as well as in banking where his expertise will help as MTN continues to develop its new business strategy,” the company said on Monday.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity and look forward to working with Phuthuma and the MTN Group board to ensure that we build on a strong foundation laid over the last 15, 20 years for the Group to realize its full potential,” said Shuter.

Furthermore, MTN appointed former Vodacom executive Godfrey Motsa as VP South & East Africa. His appointment is effective 1 July 2016.

Motsa joins from Vodacom where he was Chief Officer for Consumer Business. Motsa was previously CEO of Vodacom DRC Congo and CEO of Vodacom Lesotho. He brings 10 years of experience of telecoms in the region to MTN. He has various other commercial experience.

“MTN has weathered a rather difficult storm and will continue to review its governance and management operating structure to ensure that it operates at an optimum level and continues to replenish management talent to ensure a sustained growth of the business,” Nhleko said.

“I warmly welcome Rob Shuter, the new VP M&A and Strategy, Godfrey Motsa and all the new non-executive directors to MTN Group and MTN South Africa. I am confident that with the calibre of Rob Shuter as CEO, the group will resume its path to playing its rightful role in increasing connectivity and accelerating convergence across Africa and the Middle East.”