This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Safaricom lost its CEO, Bob William Collymore, to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The company's Chairman, Nicholas Nganga, confirmed his demise, stating that Collymore had succumbed to the disease at his home.
Collymore's tenure at Safaricom was marked by significant growth, transforming the company into East Africa's most profitable mobile service provider with over 30 million subscribers. His contract was extended in 2015 and again in 2017.
Following Collymore's passing, the Safaricom Board held a Special Meeting on July 1, 2019, and resolved to appoint Michael Joseph, a Board member and former CEO of the company, as the interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
According to a statement by the company secretary, Kathryne Maundu, Michael Joseph will hold this position until the Board communicates a permanent appointment in due course.
Michael Joseph is a seasoned executive with a proven track record, having steered the company from a subscriber base of less than 20,000 to over 16.71 million subscribers during his tenure as CEO.
The Board expressed confidence in Michael Joseph's ability to provide the necessary guidance and leadership to the company and its employees during this transition period.
Michael Joseph is also the current Chairman of the Board of Kenya Airways.
Read related: Bob Collymore passes on
