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Nigerian telecom giant Globacom has appointed Ahmad Farroukh as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership change aimed at revitalizing the company. Farroukh, a veteran in the telecommunications industry, will be leading a strategic overhaul of the company’s operations.
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Prior to his appointment at Globacom, Farroukh served as the Group CEO of Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, where he was brought in by key shareholders to drive a turnaround and restructuring of the business. His appointment aligns with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) ongoing efforts to enhance corporate governance within Nigeria’s telecom sector.
In a statement, Globacom emphasized that Farroukh’s leadership will be pivotal in strengthening the company’s corporate governance standards and operational efficiency. The new CEO is expected to address challenges and restore confidence in the brand amidst increased competition in the telecom landscape.
Farroukh’s Impressive Telecom Track Record
Farroukh’s extensive background in African telecommunications spans over two decades. He began his telecom career in 1999 as Managing Director of MTN Ghana and later took on the role of Regional Director for West Africa under Investcom, an MTN subsidiary. From 2006 to 2010, he served as the CEO of MTN Nigeria, and in 2014, he became the CEO of MTN South Africa. His international experience includes leading Mobily, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest telecom operator, as CEO until 2017. In 2019, he joined Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, where he served as Group CEO until his latest appointment at Globacom.
A Call for Strategic Reforms Amid Subscriber Challenges
Farroukh’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Globacom. A recent regulatory audit by the NCC revealed discrepancies in the company’s subscriber count, leading to a significant reduction of 69.2% in its reported numbers—from 62.19 million in March to 19.15 million by September. The sharp drop has highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to regain customer trust and stabilize the company’s market position.
“Farroukh’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the company faces challenges with its subscriber base,” Globacom stated. The leadership change underscores the telco’s commitment to adopting strategic measures to drive growth and compete effectively in Nigeria’s dynamic telecom sector.
The new CEO’s deep industry experience and proven track record in handling high-level telecom operations are expected to play a key role in transforming Globacom’s operations, aligning with NCC’s goals for greater transparency and accountability across the industry.
As Globacom gears up for a new phase under Farroukh’s leadership, the company aims to strengthen its market presence and deliver enhanced services to its subscribers, reaffirming its position as a leading telecom provider in Nigeria.
