Bob Collymore takes sick leave

Safaricom has announced that its CEO Bob Collymore, has started medical leave to receive specialised treatment.

This announcement was issued by the company’s chairman, Nicholas Ng’ang’a, who via a statement revealed that the treatment, of the unnamed illness, would take “a number of months” but once treated Collymore would return to work.

“On behalf of the board, management and the entire Safaricom community, I wish Bob quick recovery and look forward to him resuming his duties as soon as doctors allow him to do so,” said Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Chairman, Safaricom Plc.

Ng’ang’a further explains in the statement that during  Collymore’s time in  hospital, Sateesh Kamath, the current Chief Financial Officer for Safaricom who is also Mr. Collymore’s alternate on the Board, will take a primary role.

He will be supported by Joseph Ogutu who is the current Director – Strategy and Innovation, Safaricom. Mr. Ogutu will be responsible for Safaricom’s day-to-day operations until Mr. Collymore’s return from medical leave.

With over 20 years experience in both mature and emerging markets, Mr. Kamath has a strong background in strategic performance management and building robust operations across the telecoms, FMCG and manufacturing sectors.

On his part, Mr. Ogutu is the longest serving Executive Committee member in Safaricom. He has a long and distinguished career in the telecommunications industry spanning over 30 years, with rich experience across several parts of the company including the Corporate Affairs and Human Resource functions. He is currently also serves as the Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation.