MTN Nigeria has announced a significant shift in its leadership as Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mr. Hassan Jabber departs the company. His replacement, Ayham Moussa, is set to assume the role on August 19, 2024. This transition comes as part of a broader restructuring within the MTN Group, which has also appointed Mohammed Rufai, the current Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at MTN Nigeria, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.
These leadership changes are indicative of MTN’s ongoing commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and adapting to the dynamic telecommunications landscape. Jabber’s departure marks the end of a notable tenure at MTN, where he has contributed significantly over the past 22 years, including leadership roles in various markets such as Sudan and Afghanistan.
In a recent statement, MTN Group emphasized its excitement regarding the appointment of both Moussa and Rufai. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mohammed Rufai as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Congo-Brazzaville and Ayham Moussa as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of MTN Nigeria,” said the company. Rufai’s appointment will take effect on September 1, 2024.
Mohammed Rufai boasts over 24 years of experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, having joined MTN Nigeria in 2002. He has held various senior positions within the MTN Group, showcasing a deep understanding of the telecom industry. Rufai’s leadership style focuses on execution excellence, people development, and customer experience, all crucial elements in maintaining MTN’s competitive edge.
Ayham Moussa, who has been with MTN since 2002, brings extensive international experience to his new role. He has worked in various capacities across multiple markets, including Syria and Guinea-Conakry. Prior to his appointment as COO, Moussa served as the CEO of MTN Congo-Brazzaville, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the company’s technological capabilities, guiding it through the transition from 2G to 4G networks. His efforts were recognized with awards for having the best network in both West and Central Africa.
The changes come at a time when MTN is also witnessing the voluntary retirement of Djibril Ouattara, CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, who has been with the company for nearly nine years. President and CEO of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, expressed gratitude for the contributions made by both Ouattara and Jabber, highlighting their roles in building the businesses in their respective regions.
Mupita stated, “On behalf of the MTN Group Board and Group Exco, I wish both Djibril and Hassan well in their future endeavors. I also congratulate Ayham and Mohammed on their appointments and wish them success in their new roles.”
As MTN Nigeria navigates these leadership transitions, the focus remains on maintaining its market leadership and improving customer service. The appointment of experienced leaders like Moussa and Rufai signals a strategic move to reinforce MTN’s position in the competitive telecommunications market.
The leadership changes at MTN Nigeria reflect a commitment to strategic growth and innovation within the telecom sector. With new leadership at the helm, MTN is poised to continue its trajectory of success while adapting to the evolving demands of the industry.
