The new executive has over 25 years of experience in the telecoms sector, with senior positions at leading mobile network providers in South Africa and abroad. Most recently, he was the Chief Customer Officer of Vodacom South Africa.

South African telecommunications company Cell C recently appointed Jorge Mendes (photo) as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2023. In his new role, he will lead the mobile operator to new heights of growth and profitability in the years ahead.

Jorge Mendes will replace Douglas Craigie Stevenson, who has headed the company since 2019. His appointment comes a few months after the telecom company, which experienced financial problems, was recapitalized to deleverage the balance sheet, provide operating liquidity, and set the company on a long-term trajectory of growth and sustainability (according to the outgoing CEO). 

The incoming CEO has over 25 years of experience in the telecoms sector. Joe Mthimunye, Chairman of Cell C, believes he has a proven track record of growth and profitability in difficult market conditions. The new CEO will have to make the company more competitive in the South African telecoms market, where it competes with Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Rain.

"My focus will be on delivering a true customer-centric approach that exceeds the expectations of South Africans. We know that consumers want honesty, transparency, and worry-free solutions that are affordable, offering them flexibility and control. Our vision is to become the brand of choice for the discerning South African seeking the best experience,”  he said.

Isaac K. Kassouwi