MTN Group has announced the strategic appointment of four non-executive directors to the boards of its subsidiaries, MTN Group Fintech and Bayobab, as part of its ongoing commitment to bolster its leadership in the fintech and digital services sectors.
Herman Bosman will take on the role of independent chairman for MTN Group Fintech, joined by Nicky Newton-King and Nosipho Molope, who will serve as independent non-executive directors. These appointments are expected to provide fresh perspectives and guide the fintech arm in its future endeavors.
For Bayobab, MTN’s innovative company focused on bridging Africa’s digital divide, Jens Schulte-Bockum has been appointed as the non-executive chairman. Bayobab aims to connect Africa with cutting-edge digital solutions, and Schulte-Bockum’s leadership is anticipated to be instrumental in driving this mission forward.
Ralph Mupita, the MTN Group president and CEO, emphasized that establishing leading fintech and digital infrastructure platforms in Africa is a crucial component of their Ambition 2025 strategy. He stated that these new appointments are in line with the company’s objectives to accelerate growth, finalize structural separations, and attract strategic partners to invest in these businesses over the coming years.
Herman Bosman is set to lead the MTN Group Fintech board as chairman starting 1 July. Bosman’s extensive background, including his tenure as CEO of Rand Merchant Investment Holdings and RMB Holdings, positions him as a valuable asset to the board. His academic credentials, a BCom and LLM from the University of Johannesburg, along with his status as a chartered financial analyst at AIMR, US, equip him with a deep understanding of the financial services sector. MTN anticipates that Bosman’s strategic insight will significantly contribute to the fintech division’s strategy and operations.
Joining the MTN Group Fintech board on 1 September is Nicky Newton-King, who also serves as an independent non-executive director for MTN Group. Her illustrious career includes serving as the CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, where she gained a wealth of experience in legal matters, business, capital markets, banking, and regulatory environments. MTN expects her expertise to enhance the board’s capabilities significantly.
Nosipho Molope will also be part of the MTN Group Fintech board from 1 September. With a history of involvement in MTN operations, including board roles in MTN’s operating companies across South Africa, Cameroon, Uganda, and Zambia, Molope’s familiarity with the company’s workings is extensive. Her previous position as CFO of the Financial Services Board in South Africa and her experience with boards of SA-listed companies will serve her well as she takes on the role of chairing the Audit and Risk Committee for the Group Fintech board.
For Bayobab, MTN’s next-generation services company, Jens Schulte-Bockum will assume the role of chairman effective 1 September. Schulte-Bockum, who has previously served as MTN Group’s chief operating officer, has been a non-executive director of Bayobab since 2021. His comprehensive experience and knowledge of digital infrastructure businesses across Europe and Africa are expected to drive Bayobab’s mission to connect Africa with innovative digital solutions.
