Safaricom brings in new top boss from Vodacom Tanzania

Press Release

John, joined Safaricom from Vodafone Tanzania, where he held the roles of Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  He is an original member of the Qatar start-up team which was founded in 2008 and has built a population market share of 48% within 2 years. 

John first joined Vodafone in New Zealand in 2003, and has since held senior financial roles in both mobile and fixed telecommunications operations.  He is a Board member of Vodafone Qatar, and was previously a Board member of Vodafone Fiji. 

Prior to joining Vodafone, John was a management consultant with clients across a variety of industries.

John is a 49 year old New Zealander and has a Bachelor of Management Studies, with majors in marketing and accounting.

Safaricom has today announced the appointment of Sateesh Kamath as it’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Board Member of Safaricom Ltd., effective August, 2016.

Kamath joins Safaricom from Vodacom Tanzania Ltd, where he was the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director on the board of Vodacom Tanzania.
With over 19 years’ experience in both mature and emerging markets across Asia, Europe and Africa, Kamath has a strong background in strategic performance management and building robust operations across the telecoms, FMCG and manufacturing sectors.

Prior to his former position at Vodacom, Kamath has held senior roles for the last 12 years at both a global and local level for Vodafone operations in London, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and Fiji.

He is also non-executive Director in other group companies and investments.
Kamath succeeds current CFO and Executive Director John Tombleson, who took up the position in 2011.

As Tombleson comes to the end of his five year term, he will be returning home to Vodafone New Zealand to take up a new opportunity as the Integration Director of the recently announced merger between Vodafone New Zealand and Sky New Zealand.

A senior Vodafone resource,  Tombleson joined Safaricom from Vodafone Qatar, where he held the position of Ag Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Tombleson first joined Vodafone in his home country of New Zealand in 2003, and has since held progressively senior financial roles in both mobile and fixed telecommunications operations.

“Kamath will join the company to steer its next phase of development as we work towards becoming ensuring our business continues its sustainable growth,

“As Tombleson’s tenure comes to its close, we are pleased that he will leave the company to return to his home town leaving behind a strengthened investor relations portfolio and strong relationships with our shareholders,

“As a seasoned financial executive,  Tombleson leaves the company having steered the company through its most robust and fruitful years. He has been an invaluable resource to the executive team,” said ,” said Bob Collymore, Safaricom CEO.