05 September 2019

Safaricom has named board member and former chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Joseph as its interim boss after the company’s long-time head Bob Collymore died following a near two-year battle with cancer. 

The company held a special board meeting on July 1st, 2019 immediately after Collymore’s death was announced. 

Joseph, a dual American and Kenyan national, was the founding CEO who led the company for a decade before Collymore took over in 2010. He is also a member of its board and chairman of Kenya Airways.

 In a statement dated July 1st, 2019 – the day Collymore passed away – and signed by company secretary Kathryne Maundu, Safaricom said: “The Board is confident that during this transition, Mr Joseph will provide the necessary guidance and leadership to the Company and its employees.”

Guyanese-born British businessman Collymore was a very popular figure who helped to turn Safaricom into east Africa’s most profitable company. He had agreed to continue as CEO for another year in May after the Kenyan government insisted that a local was picked to succeed him. He died at his home on July 1st (see page 17). Safaricom is Kenya’s most valuable company.