Michael Joseph, who shaped Safaricom into the most profitable company in East Africa, resigned from the board of directors after serving the telco for over 20 years.
“Michael Joseph has served in various capacities within Safaricom since 2000, including serving as General Manager, Chief Executive Officer (twice), Director as well as Chairman of the Board,” said Safaricom Board.
Joseph joined Safaricom in 2000 as a general manager and became the founding CEO of the company, leading it through its initial public offering in 2008 and its rapid growth in the mobile market. He stepped down as CEO in 2010 but remained on the board as a director.
In 2019, he returned as an interim CEO following the death of Bob Collymore, who had succeeded him. He handed over the reins to Peter Ndegwa in 2020 and resumed his role as a board member.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Safaricom announced that Joseph had resigned from the board effective August 1, 2023, to focus on other ventures, including his current role as the chairman of Kenya Airways.
Join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed founding CEO, Michael Joseph, for his unwavering dedication and remarkable service to the company. @michaelj2 retires as a director to the Safaricom PLC Board effective 1st August, 2023. We extend our warmest wishes… pic.twitter.com/NW9I0rq6ta
— Safaricom PLC (@SafaricomPLC) August 9, 2023
The Safaricom board thanked Joseph for his invaluable contribution to the company and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“He will continue to pursue his passions in matters of conservation and community service. We wish him the very best for the future,” said the Safaricom board.
Joseph said he was proud of Safaricom’s achievements under his leadership and expressed confidence in the company’s future.
“I am honoured to have been part of Safaricom’s journey from a small startup to a regional leader in innovation and social impact. I have full faith in the management team and the board to continue driving Safaricom’s vision and mission. I look forward to pursuing new opportunities and challenges in my career,” he said.
