MTN Group's inexplicable family drama continues. Only this time the latest series of the drama sees the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Brett Goschen, step down from office. Not only that, he will also be losing his seat on the MTN board of directors as well. Although the report released to the company’s shareholders this morning attributes the resignation to Brett’s desire “to pursue other interest”, the move is a much rather anticipated one as MTN has been resolute to the commitment of charting a new trajectory after being embroiled in a long standoff with the Nigerian regulator, NCC, and no doubt leaving all its woes where it should be; behind it.
As we’ve seen recently, the company has been busy with reshuffling their upper echelon in order to begin on a fresh slate. In that case, I guess its good riddance to bad rubbish for the already outgoing Brett Goschen and any other person within the group that the sharp edge of the chopping axe will be falling upon in the coming days. Needless to say that Brett Goschen has been with the group in various capacities for the past 14 years, including a one time CEO of MTN Nigeria, yet his name barely holds any water where strong conversations around the company is concerned. And now that’s he’s gone who takes over in his stead? Well the company announced that Gunter Engling will assume the vacant position.
However, given that Gunter’s appointment is only in a temporary capacity (until a permanent replacement is found), it appears as a relief of sort for some concerned minds (like me) who are already about questioning how such appointment tallies with the long term objective of the company; seeing that Nigeria arguably remains the one true ground where the company can seek to achieve its biggest dreams within the African continent. By that I also imply that I expect to see a Nigerian put forward for the role when the time is ripe. It’s high time more candidates follow in the footsteps of Adekunle Awobodu.
But do you think Nigeria can present a worthy candidate? If so point out these candidates, and why.
