Telkom has appointed industry veteran Alphonzo Samuels as its CTO with immediate effect, a move it says takes it one step closer to completing its new top leadership structure.
Group CEO Sipho Maseko says Telkom has been appointing industry heavyweights into top positions since November last year. These appointments include Len De Villiers as CIO, Enzo Scarcella to head up marketing, and Ian Russell to handle its procurement function.
"I am pleased to announce this process has gained further momentum with the appointment of Alphonzo Samuels as chief technology officer," says Maseko.
Samuels joined Telkom in January 1984. During his 30-year tenure, he has held positions in the infrastructure, planning and engineering environments. More recently, he has been taking care of the wholesale and networks organisation as acting MD.
Telkom says his experience in both the wholesale division at Telkom as well as the network infrastructure division makes him the ideal candidate for the position.
"In his new role as CTO, Alphonzo will continue the push to build an invincible network that is capable of meeting our rigorous high-speed broadband ambitions. He will assume responsibility for both the fixed and mobile networks.
"He will also work closely with our transformation office to ensure the implementation of the functional separation of our wholesale and retail divisions," explains Maseko.
Telkom's move to separate its business came after an agreement with the Competition Commission and is aimed at ensuring greater price transparency.
"Alphonzo will focus on delivering Telkom's next-generation network aspirations and leading the transformation towards an all-IP network," says Maseko.
Samuels has a Bachelor's of Technology degree as well as a National Technical Diploma in Telecommunications and a National Diploma in Human Resource Management.
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