Kenya’s leading mobile service provider, Safaricom, has appointed John Ngumi as the new Safaricom PLC Director.

Ngumi has been appointed to take over from Michael Joseph.

Safaricom announced Ngumi’s appointment on Thursday through a press statement.

According to the statement, Ngumi’s appointment will take effect on August 1, 2022, subject to regulatory approval.

“The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John Ngumi as a Director in Safaricom PLC with effect from 1st August 2022. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval. Mr Ngumi has also been appointed as the Chairman of the Board with effect from 1st August 2022,” Safaricom said.

Ngumi is one of Kenya’s most celebrated bankers. During a 35-year banking career, who established himself as East Africa’s foremost corporate and investment banker, working with local and international/global corporates that have an East African regional presence, state-owned enterprises, sovereigns, and financial services groups.

He is a seasoned director having drawn his experience in both private companies and state-owned enterprises. For the latter, he is best known as the inaugural Board Chair at Konza Technopolis Development Authority and as an extremely active and effective Board Chair at Kenya Pipeline Company Limited.

Ngumi currently serves as Board Chair at the Industrial & Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC), which is leading the effort to implement the Kenya Transport & Logistics Network, encompassing Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Pipeline Company Limited and Kenya Railways Corporation. He also serves on the board of Kenya Airways PLC.

Safaricom also announced the resignation of Sitholizwe Mdlalose who was a member of the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

“The Board also announces the resignation of Mr. Sitholizwe Mdlalose with effect from 1st August 2022. We take this opportunity to thank Sitho for his service, dedication, sound advice and commitment to the Company with particular reference to his invaluable contributions to the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee,” the statement read.