Vodacom Group has named Stephen Chege as its new Chief External Affairs Officer. He will be reporting to the Group’s CEO Shameel Joosub effective 15th November 2021.
His role covers the Vodacom Group markets including South Africa, Tanzania, DRC, Mozambique, Lesotho and Vodafone Ghana.
“Steve will take up the role at Vodacom Headquarters in Johannesburg and will be responsible for Group Regulatory, External and Corporate Affairs, Public Policy, Communication Strategy, Media Relationships, Group Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Sustainability,” Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer said confirming the appointment.
He will also continue supporting Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC and Safaricom PLC.
Since 2015 Steve has been the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Safaricom PLC having risen in the ranks from the time he joined in 2006 as In-House Counsel.
“He has had a distinguished and successful career guiding Safaricom’s position in legal, competition, regulatory and reputational matters, developing industry policy, positioning Safaricom as a purpose-led organisation and making a significant contribution to the success of Safaricom,” said Mr Ndegwa.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Laws in International Trade & Investment Law is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Notary Public as well as a Certified Public Secretary.
Vodacom, a South African operator owns 35 per cent of Safaricom. In 2019, Safaricom and Vodacom formed a joint venture with Vodacom and acquired the intellectual property rights to M-Pesa from Vodafone.