Mobile operator MTN Group has issued a statement confirming the resignation of Ahmad Farroukh, CEO of MTN South Africa.

A number of reports were published at the weekend speculating over the possible departure of Farroukh from the company.

The move has now been confirmed and will take effect from 31 July 2015.

MTN Group president and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa is quoted as saying, "This was a difficult decision to take for Ahmad, but unavoidable due to personal and family reasons."

According to MTN Farroukh joined MTN in 2006, with the acquisition of Investcom.

"He has fulfilled several roles during his tenure with the Group. Farroukh is a former CEO of MTN Nigeria, and served in a similar role at MTN Ghana. Before assuming the role of Group Chief Operating Executive, he was Vice-President of the West and Central Africa (WECA) region," the company stated.

Dabengwa added, "On behalf of the MTN leadership, we thank Ahmad for his contribution and wish him success with his future endeavours."

The company has not yet named a successor to Farroukh and said only that this will be announced "as soon as the new appointment is finalised."