After 30 years with IBM, Mark Harris is set to join Kagiso Media as CEO from next month, replacing Murphy Morobe, whose resignation was announced last November.
Morobe had agreed to work with the board to find a suitable successor and would continue as CEO until no later than the end of last month or until his successor is appointed, Kagiso said in November.
Harris has spent 30 years with IBM in various capacities, including as GM of South and Central Africa and more recently as VP of business development for the Middle East and Africa. He was unable to speak about his appointment this morning as he was boarding a plane from Dubai to Johannesburg.
Kagiso says in its statement to shareholders that Harris, who has been involved in expanding operations in 18 African countries, has "engaged strategically to consider integrated and converged channels in ICT".
Kagiso Media owns assets such as Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, Knowledge Factory, Mobil Alliance and Gloo. It previously sold its 50% stake in LexisNexis and acquired Juta and Company.
The company says Harris' experience will be "invaluable" as it develops its digital strategy. "He brings strong strategic and operational experience to the group."
The broadcasting and Internet company has been moving towards convergence after moving into digital offerings in 2008, and Morobe has said digitisation across all media is part of Kagiso's growth strategy.
In the meantime, pending Harris' arrival, Omar Essack, CEO of the broadcasting division, will be acting as group CEO.
Harris joined IBM as an engineer in 1981 and holds a Bachelor of Science from Wits University in Johannesburg.
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