Phuthuma Nhleko, the chief executive of MTN Group, has less than 10 months left on his present contract at the cellular network operator and its renewal remains uncertain.<\/p>\n
“That is the board’s decision. As we get closer to the time we will make a decision,” Nhleko said.<\/p>\n
He has been at MTN for eight years and his contract will end in June next year. Under his leadership, MTN has grown into Africa’s largest cellular network provider with operations spanning 21 countries, including Middle Eastern countries such as Iran.<\/p>\n
Sales for the six months to June rose 24.2 percent to R57.3bn.<\/p>\n
Telecoms analyst Irnest Kaplan said Nhleko had done a good job at MTN. “If he has to stay on it would be a good thing,” he said.<\/p>\n
Kaplan added that if the discussions between MTN and Bharti Airtel led to a merger, there could be a decision to bring in a new person. However, Nhleko might also continue to bed down any such transaction, Kaplan said.<\/p>\n