Phone giant MTN appoints new boss

Africa’s largest mobile phone network MTN has appointed a new CEO.

Ralph Mupita, the company’s current chief financial officer will take charge next month as the network begins a revamp of its operations.

MTN tweeted that Mr Mupita's "solid knowledge & background places him in an excellent position to lead the growth & sustainability of MTN Group":

With more than 240 million subscribers, MTN is the world’s eighth largest mobile network.

The appointment of Mr Mupita comes as MTN is exiting the Middle East and focusing on its African market.

It’s expected to exit Yemen, Afghanistan and Syria first, with other countries in the region to follow suit.

US sanctions against Iran have hampered MTN’s business there, where it has a 49% stake in Irancell.

We're pleased to announce Ralph Mupita as MTN’s group president & CEO with effect from 1 September 2020. Ralph’s experience as the group CFO, solid knowledge & background places him in an excellent position to lead the growth & sustainability of MTN Group: https://t.co/jG2ZfpQMqH pic.twitter.com/eQ7cVLHoqS

— MTN Group (@MTNGroup) August 19, 2020