MTN Nigeria Names Karl Toriola As CEO Designate

MTN Nigeria on Monday announced the appointment of Karl Toriola as the Chief Executive Officer designate, effective 1st March 2021.

Toriola assumed the position of the Vice President, West and Central Africa, excluding Nigeria and Ghana, in 2016 and has overseen the steady progress of the operating companies in the region.

MTN in a statement noted that during his tenure, the WECA markets have made significant commercial and strategic strides.

These include the improvement of market shares within the region and the development of mobile financial services.

It said, “Since joining the Group in 2006, Mr. Toriola has also held a number of senior operational roles including Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, CEO of MTN Cameroon and MTN Group Operations Executive.”

Toriola, according to the statement, had at various times in his career in MTN Group had oversight responsibility of 16 of the Group subsidiaries and serves on various MTN boards, including MTN Nigeria.

The statement added that prior to joining MTN Nigeria, he was the Chief Operations/Regional Officer for Vmobile Nigeria (now Airtel Nigeria) where he was responsible for operations.

Toriola obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife, a Master of Science degree in Communication Systems from the University of Wales, and attended the General Management Program in Harvard Business School.

The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe, in his remark said, “After a thorough and rigorous selection process, we are delighted to welcome Karl back to MTN Nigeria.”

He explained that he is recognised throughout the industry as a highly experienced and well regarded business leader, adding that Karl has been a member of the MTN family for over 14 years and has an intimate understanding of the telco business.

“His appointment further reaffirms the Company’s commitment to succession planning as well as retaining and developing identified high performing executives.

“With his rich credentials, I am personally pleased that Mr. Karl Toriola is well-suited to lead MTN Nigeria’s Executive Management team through the next stages of growth in the years ahead”.

As contained in the statement, the current CEO of MTN Nigeria, Ferdinand Moolman, will exit this role with effect from March 1 2021 and assume a new role as MTN Group Chief Risk Officer.

Commenting on his new appointment, Toriola said, “I am delighted to be returning to serve in my country at such a critical point in history when the services we provide are so important to our national development.

“MTN Nigeria is a great company with exceptional people and extraordinary customers, who place a high value on those services.

“I have a clear focus on delivering a stellar network experience and enhanced customer service; and look forward to working with an outstanding group of leaders, in and out of government, over the coming years to continue harnessing our capabilities, transforming our relationships and delivering even greater value to our nation and her people.”