9mobile gets new CEO

Nigeria’s fourth largest operator 9mobile has appointed a new CEO, he is Alan Sinfield, who the operator described as a seasoned telecoms expert.

In a statement, 9mobile named Sinfield as Stephane Beuvelet’s successor. Beuvelet has held the position in an acting capacity since November 2018.

“He (Sinfield) brings a wealth of global operational expertise having held leadership roles at numerous mobile, fixed-line and broadband data operators as well as retail, media, and wholesale distribution businesses across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe,” 9mobile stated.

Sinfield described the Nigerian telecoms industry as one that is characterised by strong competition, but it is also an industry that is important to people everywhere.

He said: “Nigeria is rich in diversity and boasts of energetic, resilient, friendly and hardworking people. I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and I look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey.”

“The goal is to build on the existing strong foundation of the company to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector. I also look forward to embracing the people, the culture and the unique knowledge that Nigeria has to offer.”

Having served as Chief Executive Officer since 2006, Sinfield, according to 9mobile, brings extensive international and operational experience from wireless telecom, Fintech, and banking sectors to his new role at 9mobile.

The new CEO was previously the Chief Executive Officer at Amara Communications Co. (ananda), a 4G LTE mobile broadband operator in Myanmar, and before this, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Cadcomms (qb), in Cambodia.

He was also CEO at Ooredoo (Starlink), a subsidiary of the listed Qatari Telecommunications Group, operating in Qatar and regionally, and also as Chief Information Officer and Chief Customer Services Officer at Orascom Telecom (IraQna), a subsidiary of the listed Egyptian Telecommunications Group, operating the first mobile network in Baghdad and surrounding territories providing voice and nascent data and satellite services.

Commenting on the new appointment, the Chairman of 9mobile, Alhaji Nasir Bayero, said Alan’s wealth of experience of building high performance and high-growth organisations will play a pivotal role in strengthening 9mobile’s market position in the highly competitive telecommunications industry.

“He brings with him the vision, passion and years of experience from diverse environments, which will consolidate our priorities to provide superior customer experience and sustained network quality. He is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunication market,” Bayero said.