Telecoms operator Cell C has appointed Vodacom veteran Rachael Ayo-Oladejo as its new chief of staff, strategy and business transformation, adding to the raft of leadership changes at SA’s fourth-largest mobile network operator.
Ayo-Oladejo, who holds an MBA from Wits, has more than 17 years of experience in the telecom sector and will report directly to newly appointed CEO Jorge Mendes, Cell C said in a statement.
Starting her career at Airtel in Nigeria, she worked closely with Mendes as the executive for strategy, execution and performance management at Vodacom's consumer business unit.
“Her wealth of experience, proven track record and deep industry insights make her the ideal candidate to play a pivotal role in our transformative journey to drive growth and profitability,” Mendes said.
Mendes, who left Vodacom after 23 years in January, took over at Cell C this month after the sudden exit of Douglas Craigie Stevenson in March.
In addition to Craigie Stevenson’s departure, CFO Zaf Mahomed left in 2022 and was replaced by Lerato Pule in September.
Former MTN SA CEO Godfrey Motsa and Maya Makanjee, the former group chief officer for corporate affairs at Vodacom, have also joined the Cell C board as the operator looks to push its growth and steady investor confidence.
Blue Label, Cell C’s biggest shareholder, completed a long-awaited recapitalisation in September. Cell C has struggled to make a profit since it opened for business in 2001.
With Mudiwa Gavaza
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.