Cell C appoints new CEO

The board of Cell C has appointed Alan Knott-Craig as its new CEO.

Knott-Craig is expected to join the company and its board of directors on April 1, the mobile phone group said yesterday.

His appointment follows "a comprehensive search" both domestically and internationally.

Simon Duffy, the non-executive chairman who has been interim CEO for the past six months, said Knott-Craig was one of the most capable and experienced leaders in the industry.

"I am confident that his appointment will significantly enhance Cell C's ability to provide an excellent service to its customers and to compete even more effectively for their business," said Duffy.

"Cell C has carved out a strong position as an innovative alternative in the industry and, having made considerable progress over the past few years, is strategically well-positioned for growth."

Duffy added that the company's directors were "delighted" that Knott-Craig had accepted their offer.

Knott-Craig said that, after a break from the telecommunications industry, he was looking forward to being at the helm of Cell C.

"The mobile telecommunications sector is a highly innovative and disruptive industry, and I am excited about the challenge of making Cell C a more effective competitor to the dominant players," he said.

"The company has benefited from considerable investment in the past few years and I am confident that I will be able to build on that investment to accelerate the company's growth."