Yolisa Phahle has been named as the new CEO of M-Net South Africa, parent company MultiChoice said on Thursday.
Phahle is currently director for local interest channels at M-Net. She joined the group in 2005 as GM of Channel O.
In 2009, she was appointed as director of special interest channels for South Africa, with her portfolio expanding to include MK, KykNET and, later, Vuzu. A year later, she was tasked with launching the popular Mzansi Magic channel and in 2012 and 2013 oversaw the launch of Mzansi Magic Music, Mzansi Wethu and Mzansi Bioskop.
“While born in South Africa, Yolisa’s parents left the country in 1965 for exile. She grew up as part of a community of South Africans, which included Hugh Masekela; Arthur Maimane, previous managing editor of The Star newspaper; and the late John Matshikiza who combined stage acting in London with activism for the ANC,” MultiChoice said in a statement.
Phahle trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a violinist and keyboard player, and later toured the world. She played for Duran Duran, Soul II Soul and Jamiroquai, and appeared on the same stage as Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Seal and Prince, according to MultiChoice.
Her broadcast career began at the BBC World Service where she trained as a studio manager before becoming a producer at BBC Radio 1 and BBC World Service Music. During her time at BBC Radio she produced and oversaw live music sessions with Oasis, Paul Weller, Coldplay and the late Amy Winehouse. In 2001, she became a senior producer at BBC 6 Music.
MultiChoice said that Phahle’s appointment followed a decision to focus the M-Net business on three core African markets — South Africa, West Africa and East Africa. “We want M-Net to increase its focus on our various target markets in these regions, to facilitate further growth,” said MultiChoice South Africa Group CEO Imtiaz Patel.
Phahle will report to M-Net sub-Saharan Africa CEO Patricia van Rooyen. She takes on the new role on 1 April. — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media