Corporate Kenya Biggest Executive Transition

Michael Joseph is set to retire as Safaricom's chief executive in November.The annoucement was made by the company board on Thursday.


Michael Joseph came to Kenya 11 years ago to take charge of Safaricom. It is under his leadership that Safaricom rose up from a struggling company to become East Africa's most profitable and respectable company.Safaricom was also named the African Telecom of the year at the third
edition of the African Business Awards.



During Michael Joseph's tenure Safaricom has shown solid financial results, developed innovative products and services for consumers and the company has generated significant returns on investment for stakeholders.


Michael Joseph will be replaced by Bob Collymore. Mr. Collymore has a vast experience in the telecommunication industry. He worked at British Telecommunication for 15 years. He has also worked as the Global Handset Purchasing Director responsible for Vodafone's handset business across 26 countries as well as working as the Consumer Marketing Director of Vodafon's business in Asia.Before joining Safaricom's board in 2006 he worked as Vodafon's Governance Director for Africa.


Michael Joseph's retirement will attract a lot of attention and concern and many investors will be praying that the succession will be well executed such that Safaricom will not lose the public trust that it enjoyed for a long time.