Cell C today announced the appointment of Bryan O’Donovan as Chief Data & Analytics Officer, effective May 2024. In this crucial role, O’Donovan will spearhead the management of the organisation’s data and analytics assets, championing data-driven decision-making processes, and leveraging data assets to propel growth and optimisation initiatives.
Bringing to the table a wealth of experience spanning actuarial science, financial services, and telecommunications, O’Donovan boasts a remarkable history of 19 years in the industry. His career journey has been defined by exceptional problem-solving skills, strategic acumen, and analytical prowess.
Prior to his appointment at Cell C, Bryan held key leadership positions, including Managing Executive roles at Vodacom South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in shaping pricing strategies, providing financial leadership, and driving informed decision-making processes. Additionally, his tenure at Hollard Insurance, spanning over 15 years, further fortified his expertise in investments, product development, and operational governance.
Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C, emphasised the significance of Bryan’s appointment, stating, “Bryan’s appointment underscores our commitment to harnessing the power of data and analytics to drive innovation and enhance customer experiences. His experience, coupled with his leadership capabilities, will be instrumental in guiding our data strategy and unlocking new opportunities for growth and optimisation.”
A distinguished alumnus of the University of Witwatersrand, O’Donovan holds a Bachelor of Economic Science in Actuarial Science and a Bachelor of Science Honors in Actuarial Science and Maths of Finance. He is also a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries as well as the Actuarial Society of South Africa.
O’Donovan said he is excited to join Cell C and lead the organisation’s data and analytics initiatives.
“I look forward to collaborating with the teams at Cell C to harness the power of data and analytics in driving strategic decision-making and delivering value to our customers,” he said.
O’Donovan’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Cell C as the company continues to prioritise data-driven innovation and customer-centric strategies.
Also read: GUGU LOURIE: Cell C’s reliance on former Vodacom executives is a risky strategy
A senior telecom executive recently confided in me that no amount of money would entice her to join Cell C. When I inquired why this was so, I was somewhat taken aback by the answer: “That would be career suicide.”
The senior executive said the environment at Cell C was not conducive for anyone who had never worked at rival Vodacom.
“Since 2012, when Alan Knott-Craig became CEO, Cell C has only hired former Vodacom executives … Nothing has changed since then.”
She described the work environment at Cell C as a “mini-Vodacom”, which any independent-minded “outsider” would find difficult to adapt to.
This conversation was prompted by Cell C’s recent hiring of former Vodacom executive Chris Lazarus, who was appointed chief officer of sales, distribution & regions. Lazarus reports to CEO Jorge Mendes, another Vodacom alumnus.
This trend of Cell C hiring executives from Vodacom started with Knott-Craig, who was followed by Jose dos Santos and Douglas Craigie Stevenson.
