MTN announces changes to Group EXCO, new CEO for SA operation

MTN Group today announced changes to its Group Executive Committee, with the appointment of Karel Pienaar as Group Chief Strategy Officer and Zunaid Bulbulia as Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Africa.

Pienaar's appointment will see MTN's Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Strategy functions being separated, with Khumo Shuenyane focusing on M&A and international business development.

Pienaar is currently the CEO of MTN SA, while Bulbulia is the Chief Financial Officer of the South African operation and acting Chief Business Officer for MTN Business.

As Group Chief Strategy Officer, Pienaar will be responsible for overseeing MTN strategy across its 22 operations. A founding member of MTN, Pienaar has served the group in various leadership roles, including as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer and CEO of MTN Nigeria.

Bulbulia has 19 years' telecoms experience, and is also a founding member of MTN. He was appointed CFO of MTN SA in 2005. As CEO, he is tasked with bolstering MTN's competitive position in the South African market.

MTN Group President and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa says both Pienaar and Bulbulia are experienced executives who understand MTN's business priorities and challenges. "We look forward to their continued contribution to MTN's growth in their new roles," says Dabengwa.

Both Pienaar and Bulbulia will serve on the MTN Group Executive Committee.

- Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs