Etisalat Gets New Management

The move comes barely a week after former chairman Hakeem Bello-Osagie resigned.

Mr. Bello-Osagie, the one-time Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, UBA, was the surviving shareholder in the embattled mobile operator currently embroiled in a $1.2 billion (about N377.4 billion) loan repayment crisis with a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks.

His resignation followed the withdrawal, two weeks ago, of the company’s major shareholder, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company, which announced the decision to quit effective June 15, 2017.

The company announced the new board in a statement issued by its spokesperson.

According to the statement, Joseph Nnanna is the new chairman of the country’s fourth largest mobile company, while Oluseyi Bickersteth, Ken Igbokwe, Boye Olusanya and Funke Ighodaro, are the other new board members.

The statement reads: “Etisalat Nigeria today confirms that as a result of the on-going restructuring efforts, a new board has been constituted. It comprises of Dr. Joseph Nnanna – Chairman, Mr. Oluseyi Bickersteth, Mr Ken Igbokwe, Mr. Boye Olusanya and Mrs Funke Ighodaro.

“Mr. Boye Olusanya has been confirmed as Chief Executive Officer, to replace Mr. Matthew Willsher, while Mrs. Funke Ighodaro takes over from Mr. Olawole Obasunloye as Chief Finance Officer.

“The Consortium of Lenders, working with the regulators NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria are committed to the on-going efforts to restructure the company towards a path of long term success of the business and the appointment of a seasoned board of directors and top management is a testament to this. The decisions reached so far reflect the high confidence all the stakeholders have in the continued viability and sustainability of the business. The smooth transition is also proof of management’s commitment to ensure that the operations of the company run seamlessly, and customers continue to enjoy superior network quality and positive customer experience

“Etisalat Nigeria remains committed to continuously serving our subscribers, through the provision of innovative products and services with its committed staff, partners and vendors to empower the needs of our customers and improve their experience on the network.

“We thank all our customers for your loyalty, understanding and continued patronage.”