French telecoms firm Orange's business-to-business services branch has appointed a new vice president for its Africa operations.

The Orange Business Services branch announced that Giorgio Heiman would take the role of new VP of its business on the continent.

In a statement Orange Business Services said that Heiman's role is effective immediately.

He takes over the leadership of the business in Africa from a retiring Jean-Luc Lasnier, the statement reads.

Heiman will share his time between Geneva, Switzerland and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Orange Business Services says Heiman brings significant consulting expertise and experiences in harnessing technology to deliver innovative business solutions, as well as leadership and management of multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

Heiman joined the Orange group in 2004 after holding senior management and consulting roles within the Telecommunications and Air Transport industries, including SITA, AT&T, and Digital Equipment Corporation.

Orange Business Services has a presence on the continent with operations in 40 African countries.