In a significant move that highlights Safaricom Ethiopia's commitment to its digital transformation journey, the telecom giant has officially announced the appointment of Wim Vanhelleputte as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from September 1st, 2023.

The telco made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday.

With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years in the sub-Saharan African telecommunications industry, Safacirom says Wim brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Wim Vanhelleputte's most recent position was as the Operations Executive - Markets at MTN Group, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the performance and governance of four operating companies in West and Central Africa since August 2022.

Prior to that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, where he made notable contributions to the company's growth and success during his tenure from 2016.

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During the period from 2009 to 2015, Wim held the esteemed position of CEO at MTN Cote d'Ivoire, further solidifying his reputation as a telecom leader in the region.

Additionally, he briefly worked at Airtel Africa, where he first served as the Regional Director for Francophone Africa, followed by his appointment as Cluster CEO for Airtel DRC and Congo.

According to Safaricom's statement, Wim's illustrious career extends beyond MTN and Airtel, as he has also held key senior positions in various other telecommunications companies.

Notably, he served as the Chief Executive Officer at Sentel GSM in Senegal and as the Managing Director of TchadMobile in Chad. He also held the position of General Manager at Telcel Gabon, showcasing his versatility and vast industry knowledge.

Hailing from Belgium, Wim Vanhelleputte holds a Bachelor's Degree in General Engineering and a Master's Degree in Nuclear and Solid-State Physics, both from the esteemed State University of Ghent.

Furthermore, he obtained a Special degree in Power Plant Management from the Free University of Brussels, further cementing his strong academic foundation.

As Wim takes the helm at Safaricom Ethiopia, the company is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition that will uphold the organization's current momentum in delivering its vision of transforming lives through a digital future for all Ethiopians.

With his extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge, Wim is well-equipped to guide Safaricom Ethiopia towards further success and innovation.

The appointment of Wim Vanhelleputte comes with heartfelt gratitude towards the outgoing CEO, Anwar Soussa, for his significant contributions as the first CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia.

The company extends a warm welcome to Wim Vanhelleputte and looks forward to his leadership in propelling Safaricom Ethiopia's digital agenda to new heights.