Just a week after Seacom announced that its founder, Brian Herlihy, was returning to lead the company, replacing CEO Mark Simpson, the pan-African subsea cable operator has announced a further management shake-up.

In a statement, Seacom says the changes are meant improve “synergies” between regions and functions within the business, as well as position the company to enter new markets in Africa.

It has established a new business development group, to be led by Suveer Ramdhani. This department will focus on Seacom’s growth in new markets and evaluate investment opportunities, including potential acquisition targets.

Ramdhani, who has a background in management consulting, was previously head of product strategy and is one of the founding members of the leadership team. He has been involved in a number of major projects in telecommunications, construction, petroleum and banking.

Meanwhile, Chris Smyth, the former acting CEO of South African Airways, joined the company late last year as chief financial officer. He will head up the finance function, which comprises statutory and monthly reporting and analysis, budgeting, treasury, payments, billings and collections.

Product and service development will be consolidated into the sales and marketing functions, currently under the leadership of chief commercial officer Byron Clatterbuck.

Other key changes include Willem Marais being promoted to global head of sales; Robert Marston being appointed as global head of product; and Nicola Haynes-Smart being named head of business operations.

Last week, TechCentral reported that Herlihy was returning to lead Seacom after Simpson left to “pursue personal interests”.

Herlihy stepped down as CEO in 2011, but stayed on as an executive director following Simpson’s appointment. He led the financing, development and construction of the first submarine fibre optic cable to connect East and South Africa to the world’s major international networks in Europe and Asia. — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media