Brandon Leigh, one of the founders of mobile operator Rain, has stepped down from his role as CEO, the company said on Wednesday.
Leigh has been at the helm of the mainly data driven mobile operator since March 2021.
He now moves into a “strategic advisory role” on the company’s board, as well as into the CEO position at RainX, a technology company. In his new role he will focus on product design and drive international expansion.
Conrad Leigh, previously the COO, has been appointed as Rain’s new CEO.
Rain is credited with being the first mobile operator in SA to introduce 5G with its launch of fixed-wireless products in September 2019.
According to the company, Brandon Leigh “has been the driving force of the company, growing it from a start-up to the multibillion-dollar company it is today. Under his leadership, Rain built the first stand-alone 5G network outside China, and their approach to 5G FWA has become a case study for global best practice”.
“This success has been built through a consistent strategic vision and a culture of agility and innovation. In his role as board member and strategic adviser, Brandon will continue to shape Rain’s long-term direction.”
RainX is a hardware and technology services firm with a presence in Singapore, the Philippines and SA.
Rain has in the past been evasive about its relationship with RainX. However, the two companies share founders, including Brandon Leigh. RainX is the supplier of Rain’s now recognisable colourful 5G router known as the 101 range.
“Building Rain from a few people and a coffee machine to what it is now has been incredibly rewarding,” Brandon Leigh said.
“Conrad has played a critical role both operationally and strategically, and I have every confidence that he’s the ideal leader to guide Rain to future successes.”
Rain said Conrad Leigh, who previously also served as its chief technology officer, “brings extensive knowledge and experience” to the CEO role.
“I’m excited to guide Rain into its next chapter and build upon Brandon’s exceptional foundations,” said Conrad Leigh. “We have strong momentum, and I look forward to leading the team as we take Rain to greater heights.”
Conrad Leigh takes the helm at a company that looks to be in a strong financial position. According to shareholder African Rainbow Capital (ARC), the value of Rain has grown by more than 50% in three years.
The entire telecom business is valued at R25.92bn, up from R16.6bn in March 2022, according to ARC Investments’ financial statements.
“During the reporting period ARC Fund bought shares from some of the existing shareholders of Rain and invested funds in new ventures totalling R172m,” ARC said in its earnings report for the six months to end-December.
The investment group, which is controlled by billionaire Patrice Motsepe, said Rain had recorded a strong performance in the period for its fixed wireless offering and recently launched mobile business.
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