MTN Zambia has announced the appointment of Philip van Dalsen as the company's chief executive officer.

Prior to this appointment Van Dalsen served as CEO of MTN Cyprus and is familiar with Zambia having previously been the Commercial Director for Celpay Zambia for two years.

He takes up the role following the appointment of Charles Molapisi as MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO), according to a statement from the operator.

Van Dalsen said, "Everybody deserves a connected world and we fully support the Zambian government's drive to increase access to information and technology. MTN will continue to work closely with stakeholders and regulators in our strategic partnerships to foster connectivity, financial inclusion and enterprise across the country among other things."

"Our differentiator in the market is that we are a modern, innovative company that truly cares for our customers and have grown our subscriber base significantly not only in Lusaka and the Copperbelt but across the country where we remain the preferred network," he added.

According to MTN Van Dalsen has CEO experience in both emerging and mature markets in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean/Americas.

"With extensive telecoms experience spanning 19 years, he ensured continuous year-on-year revenue growth of approximately 10% and market share growth of 13% at MTN Cyprus in a highly competitive and saturated European market which showed declining revenues. He has also held previous roles at Digicel, Celtel and Sonera Telecom Netherlands," the company added.

Van Dalsen holds a Master's Degree in International Public Law from the University of Leiden and completed international management courses with Sonera Business School in Finland and Nijenrode Business School in the Netherlands.