The Board of Safaricom Plc has announced the appointment of investment banker Mr. John Ngumi as a director and Chairman of the Board with effect from 1st August 2022. The telco said the appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Mr Ngumi takes over from Safaricom founder CEO Michael Joseph who has chaired the board since August 2020.
John Ngumi is the immediate former Chairman of Kenya Pipeline Corporation Board and has chaired the Board of Konza Technopolis Development Authority. He served as an inaugural director on the Board of Communications Commission of Kenya, now Communications Authority of Kenya, a regulator that oversaw the creation of Kenya’s present telecommunications landscape.
“Mr. Ngumi currently serves as Board Chair at the Industrial & Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC), which is leading the effort to implement the Kenya Transport & Logistics Network, encompassing Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Pipeline Company Limited and Kenya Railways Corporation. He also serves on the board of Kenya Airways PLC.” Reads a notice from Safaricom to shareholder.
While addressing shareholders at company’s AGM, outgoing CEO Michael Joseph said Mr John Ngumi will be replacing him as one of the Director’s representing the Government of Kenya on the Board of Safaricom.
“John was appointed as a Director of Safaricom and elected Chairman of the Board at a Safaricom Board meeting held yesterday, July 28th, 2022.” said Mr Michael Joseph who will remain as a Director on the Board of Safaricom.
Mr. Ngumi started his banking career at National Westminister Bank, London and has worked for various institutions including Grindlays Bank, Citibank, Barclays Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa establishing himself as East Africa’s foremost corporate and investment banker.
John describes himself as a gregarious; enormously self-confident person possessed of copious amounts of drive, determination, energy and will to win.
Mr. Ngumi holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from St. Peter’s College, Oxford University, United Kingdom.