JSE-listed telecommunications operator MTN has named Michael Fleisher to the position of group chief legal counsel, effective 1 February.
Described by the group as a “seasoned legal professional”, Fleisher’s appointment is likely to raise a few eyebrows.
As Finweek points out, Fleisher was until last week the top legal mind at Gold Fields, which is under investigation by the US Securities Exchange Commission over a controversial black economic empowerment deal.
Fleisher is expected to be a major player in the probe into a deal that involved convicted criminal Gayton McKenzie and “sushi king” Kenny Kunene, Finweek says.
Fleischer resigned as executive vice-president: general counsel for Gold Fields earlier this month.
Fleischer joined Gold Fields in 2006 from the law firm Webber Wentzel, where he served as a partner in the corporate services department.
In a statement, MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa says Fleisher “brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having had significant experience in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, regulation and compliance and commercial transactions”.
“In his new role, Fleischer will be responsible for leading the group legal and regulatory team, and providing strategic legal counsel to the company.”
Fleischer is an admitted attorney of the high court. — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media