MTN has named Pieter Verkade, currently CEO of MTN Cyprus, as the group’s new chief commercial officer, effective from February 2013. Verkade will replace Christian de Faria, who retires in January after six years with the mobile telecommunications group.
In his new role, Verkade will be responsible for the strategic direction of the innovation, products and services strategy, as well as marketing across the group. “His appointment comes at a critical point for MTN, as our operating environment is changing quite rapidly,” says group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa in a statement.
“We have entered a phase where network operators have to compete on more than just products and services. We believe that Pieter possesses the right combination of experience and expertise to drive MTN’s strategic agenda to deliver relevant and competitive value propositions to our customers across segments.”
Prior to becoming the CEO of MTN Cyprus — the Mediterranean country’s second largest mobile operator — Verkade was executive for commercial strategy and mobile money. In this role, he oversaw the launch of MTN Mobile Money in 15 territories.
Verkade is also a former chief marketing officer for MTN South Africa, a role he held for two years from 2008, chief commercial officer of Orange in the Netherlands and chief financial officer for KPN/Orange in Belgium. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media