Telekom Networks Malawi has had to scramble to replace its Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Stevenson who left the company to join South Africa's Cell C as its new Chief Operating Officer.

The Malawian telco issued a statement confirming Eric Valentine as interim CEO while it seeks a permanent replacement to Stevenson.

George Partridge, chairman of TNM, said, "The Board of Directors of Telekom Networks Malawi Plc wishes to inform all stakeholders that Douglas Stevenson is no longer employed as Chief Executive Officer of the company."

Regional media reports say Stevenson left TNM unannounced and senior executives have also claimed the CEO still had a running contract with the company.

Jose Dos Santos, Chief Executive Officer of Cell C said in a statement this week that Stevenson's vast experience in Africa's telecommunications industry for the past 20 years "will stand him in good stead" at the South African mobile firm.

Stevenson has however said nothing about his departure from the Malawian mobile network operator. He joined TNM in October 2015 and reports say his contract was valid for the period to 2018.

In the statement that was released by Cell C this week confirming his appointment, Stevenson said, "Cell C is an extremely dynamic business and I look forward to putting my skills to work at a company that has been at the forefront of innovation for the past few years."