Cell C's Jose Dos Santos will step down as the mobile operator's chief executive officer effective 1 March 2019.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Cell C says Dos Santos will take up a role as a consultant offering strategic advice to the chairman of the Cell C board.

In this role, he will be involved in the delivery of Cell C's strategic intent, which includes the reshaping of Cell C's debt to ensure the company's continued sustainability.

"We would like to thank Jose for his tireless work over the past six years, of which five of those have been at the helm of this company. He has successfully led Cell C through some of its toughest times, and spearheaded the recapitalisation of the business. He has been a passionate and visionary leader and we know that he will apply the same vigour in his new role," says Cell C chairman Kuben Pillay.

Cell C says an interim CEO will be announced shortly, until such time as a permanent appointment is announced.

"Cell C has a very experienced leadership team that will continue to execute on the company's business plan. On behalf of the Board, management and staff, we wish Jose great success in his new role and thank him for his time as CEO," says Pillay.

Dos Santos officially replaced Alan Knott-Craig at Cell C in 2014 as the third operator's CEO.

Prior to joining Cell C, Dos Santos was CEO of Vodacom Mozambique (2005 to 2012). He also formed part of the initial team that started Cell C - the only competitor at the time to Vodacom and MTN - in 2001.

Between 2001 and 2003, Dos Santos held the role of MD at Cell C. He was Autopage Cellular's MD between 1999 and 2001 and also held positions at Message Link and Alcatel.

Dos Santos is a member of the South African Institute of Directors and the South African Institute of Marketing Management.