Safaricom picks Sateesh Kamath as new finance boss

Telecom operator Safaricom has confirmed the exit of John Tombleson as chief finance officer, replacing him with Sateesh Kamath.

Mr Kamath joins the giant telecom from Vodacom Tanzania where he was serving in a similar capacity. He has held senior roles for the last 12 years at both a global and local level for Vodafone operations in London, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and Fiji.

“Mr Kamath will join the company to steer its next phase of development as we work towards becoming ensuring our business continues its sustainable growth,” Safaricom chief executive officer Bob Collymore said of the appointment.

Safaricom did not disclose the reason for Mr Tombleson’s exit, only stating that he will be taking up a role as integration director at Vodafone New Zealand. He took up the job at Safaricom in 2011 and is credited with steering the firm’s growth in profit.

“Mr Tombleson leaves the company having steered the company through its most robust and fruitful years. He has been an invaluable resource to the executive team,” Mr Collymore said.