Safaricom PLC announced the resignation of long serving Safaricom official Michael Joseph. Michael Joseph was serving as a Board chairman from August 2020. The 77-year old South African national has served in the firm for the last 23 years.
He was the founding CEO ser4ving from July 2000 to November 2010. He is credited with steering the company from a customer base of less than 18,000 to over 17 million subscribers by the time of his exit in 2010.
During this period the growth was tremendous making it the most successful company in East Africa. This growth and success is attributed also to the launch of M-PESA and its related services.
He also served in various capacities at Safaricom PLC having being acting CEO from July 2019 to March 2020, board chairman and director.
Mr Joseph relinquished his post citing he wants to focus on Safaricom in Ethiopia among other ventures. He currently serves as Chairman of Kenya Airways and also sits on boards of other organizations.
Describing himself as a hands on person who like s to take charge, Michael Joseph stated that he was not forced out of the board saying that his resignation was his own choice.