Press Release: Monica Musonda is new Airtel Zambia board chairperson

Mr. George Sokota, Chairman, Airtel Networks Zambia Plc  has retired from his position, and Entrepreneur Ms. Monica Musonda, has been appointed as the new Chairman in line with the Company’s policy on the appointment of Independent Directors. Mr. Sokota announced his retirement at the just ended Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel. Mr. Jito Kayumba, a Chartered Accountant, has also been appointed as one of the Independent Directors on the Board of Airtel Zambia. Both appointments were effective March 23, 2016.

Mr. Kayumba has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Dipak Patel. Further, Mr. Christian de Faria, MD and CEO, Airtel Africa, has been appointed as the Non-executive Director of the Company in place of Mr. Christophe Soulet, who has demitted the position of Non-executive Director with effect from March 30, 2016. The changes are in line with Airtel’s Corporate Governance Framework, which lays down the criteria of independence, age limits, recommended tenure, remuneration and other parameters for the appointment of Independent Directors, with a view to uphold diversity and independence of the Board.

The Policy caps the tenure of the Independent Directors to three terms of three years each. In accordance with the stated Policy, Mr. George Sokota, Chairman and Independent Director, and Mr. Dipak Patel, Independent Director, had expressed their intention to retire from their respective positions, as they had already served the Board for the maximum tenure of nine years.

The Board accepted the resignation of Mr. Dipak Patel, Independent Director, with effect from March 1, 2016, and had requested Mr. George Sokota, Chairman and Independent Director, to continue until the appointment of new Independent Directors and also to assist in the nomination process. The Board has further placed on record its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable and long-standing contribution of Mr. Sokota, Mr. Patel and Mr. Soulet towards the growth of Airtel Networks Zambia Plc.