It’s official. TopTV founding CEO Vino Govender is stepping down from the satellite pay-TV operator with immediate effect amid plans for a “possible restructure” at the company to ensure it “remains competitive and relevant in the pay-TV environment in SA”.

Eddie Mbalo, chairman of TopTV owner On Digital Media (ODM), will fill the role of interim CEO until a replacement for Govender is found, the company says.

“Following discussions that have taken place over a six-month period with the board and Govender, a mutual separation has been reached, which both parties believe will benefit the company in its future developments,” ODM says in a statement. “Govender remains a shareholder of the company and will continue to guide and assist Mbalo and the board.”

Mbalo told TopTV staff on Thursday that Govender had made an “enormous contribution” to the “start-up operation that is TopTV today”.

“The launch of a second pay-TV operator into the local market brought with it a shake-up in the industry that resulted in more choice and pricing options for consumers.”

TopTV is the only competitor to MultiChoice and its DStv service, despite efforts by the Independent Communications Authority of SA a few years ago to license up to five new players.

ODM says Govender’s exit follows a series of meetings between the board and management to discuss the “future and possible restructure of TopTV to ensure that the company remains competitive and relevant”.

It says Govender decided to step down as he had “fulfilled his role in planning and executing the setup of the business over the past six years”.

“It is time for fresh blood to take the business to new heights and I am confident the board will implement and achieve its strategic plans,” Govender says in the statement. — Staff reporter, TechCentral