New acting MD for Telkom unit

By Staff Writer for Telkom

Johannesburg, 03 Aug 2009

Telkom has appointed its group executive for network core operations, Pierre Marais, to act as MD for its newly-created Telkom Data Centres unit.

The appointment forms part of the company's restructuring process that has seen the company split into three units. Earlier this year, it brought back Telkom veteran Pinky Moholi to take over as MD of Telkom SA and Thami Msimango is now leading its Telkom International unit.

The data centre business has been headless since the company's restructuring took effect in April, while the company has been on the hunt for a candidate to take over the unit.

“In appointing Pierre as the acting MD of our data centre operations, we not only have a leader with the requisite skills and experience, but also a loyal and distinguished 32-year track record in the telecommunications industry,” says Telkom group CEO Reuben September.

September says Marais will manage R2.5 billion-worth of IT assets and oversee the expansion of Telkom's 7 500 square metres of data centre space. “It became imperative for us to appoint the most suitable candidate to lead this business unit, albeit in a caretaking role for now.”

Marais has managed Telkom's network operations since 2003 and was promoted to group executive last year, after several in between promotions.

“Our group organisational structure is aligned to our refocused business imperatives as encapsulated in our 'defend and grow' strategy. This, in essence, aims to maintain our leadership position in SA, while expanding our footprint across the African continent.

“In welcoming Pierre to his new role at Telkom, I wish him every success in helping the Telkom group realise its strategic intent with regard to the lucrative opportunities that the data centre space provides,” adds September.