Mobile operator MTN has announced the appointment of Rob Shuter, current CEO of the European Cluster at Vodafone Group, as its new Group President and CEO, with effect as soon as possible in 2017, but not later than 1 July of that year.

Phuthuma Nhleko will revert to his role as non-executive chairman as soon as Shuter assumes his new position.

An official announcement from MTN states that Shuter comes with a wealth of experience in telecoms and banking having held senior positions at Vodacom Group, Standard Bank and Nedbank, and then at Vodafone Group.

In a statement released to the media MTN said, "MTN is confident that Rob will bring experience and new insights to the CEO role having had many years in the telecoms sector both in Africa and Europe as well as in banking where his expertise will help as MTN continues to develop its new business strategy."

Shuter said, "I am honoured to have the opportunity and look forward to working with Phuthuma and the MTN Group board to ensure that we build on a strong foundation laid over the last 15 – 20 years for the Group to realise its full potential."

The appointment is among several initiated by the company as part of a review of its governance and management structures.

It has also announced the appointment of VP M&A and Strategy, effective 1 October 2016. The company has not confirmed who has been appointed, but said it will make a formal announcement before 30 June 2016.

MTN has also appointed Godfrey Motsa, formerly CEO of Vodacom DRC Congo and CEO of Vodacom Lesotho, to head up its South and East Africa region (excluding South Africa).

Motsa will oversee the operations in those regions with effect from 1 July 2016.

Nhleko said, "MTN has weathered a rather difficult storm and will continue to review its governance and management operating structure to ensure that it operates at an optimum level and continues to replenish management talent to ensure a sustained growth of the business. I warmly welcome Rob Shuter, the new VP M&A and Strategy, Godfrey Motsa and all the new non-executive directors to MTN Group and MTN South Africa. I am confident that with the calibre of Rob Shuter as CEO, the group will resume its path to playing its rightful role in increasing connectivity and accelerating convergence across Africa and the Middle East."