9mobile appoints Obafemi Banigbe, ex-Airtel director, as CEO

The board of directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, has appointed Obafemi Banigbe, an ex-Airtel director, as chief executive officer (CEO).

Banigbe will succeed Juergen Peschel, the outgoing CEO, the telco said in a statement on Thursday — adding that Peschel will be retained as a consultant to support the business transformation process initiated under his leadership.

The EMTS said the transition is consistent with its tradition of business continuity to ease the start of a holistic business transformation.

Expressing joy about the appointment, Banigbe said his goal is to lead the organisation through its next exciting phase using his experience.

“The Nigerian telecoms industry is characterized by strong competition, but it is also an industry that provides opportunities for different stakeholders,” he said.

“I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and I look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey.

“The goal is to build on the existing foundation of the company to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector.”

The EMTS said Banigbe is expected to collaborate closely with the board and all stakeholders to develop credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions that address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunications market.

“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact that Obafemi will have on shaping the future of 9mobile,” the company said.

“He brings along the vision, passion and years of experience from diverse environments, which will consolidate our priorities to provide superior customer experience and sustained network quality.”

The company said Banigbe possesses extensive experience at the C-suite level and brings a profound comprehension of the intricate African business landscape, emphasising the critical translation of business objectives and commercial imperatives into comprehensive strategies that drive successful execution.

LIFE BEFORE 9MOBILE

Banigbe holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

He enhanced his expertise through the Ericsson management development programme, advanced management programme at the London Business School, and completed his academic journey with an MBA from the Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom (UK).

He began his career in the telecoms industry at Celtel — now Airtel Nigeria — as the director of operations.

Prior to this, he made significant contributions at Ericsson across various roles within the Sub-Saharan Africa market unit, culminating in the esteemed role of network support group manager for access and transport networks.

Banigbe was previously the chief operations officer (COO) at Millicom Ghana, charting the operational strategy for the business in the country.

His journey within the Millicom Group spans pivotal positions such as interim CEO and earlier responsibilities as chief technical officer for Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

Banigbe’s diverse international experience transverses countries such as the United States (US) and several African countries.

He was previously the managing partner and co-founder at Silver Rock Technology Services — an advisory firm specialising in the telecom, media, and technology sectors in Ghana.

Banigbe also served as a non-executive director at Amplitude Telecoms, a tower infrastructure provider in Nigeria.

As an advisory board member for Telecel Group, Banigbe played a pivotal role in guiding the group’s successful acquisition of Vodafone Ghana.

He further enriches his advisory portfolio by contributing insights to Nsano Group, and previously lent his expertise to the Kirusa Group in the US, providing invaluable guidance on product development and market entry strategies.

Banigbe also served as a senior partner of strategy and technology at Africa Context Advisory Partners before his appointment by 9mobile.