Accra, March 16, GNA - MTN Group has appointed Mr Ahmed Faroukh as its Vice President (VP) of the West and Central Africa (WECA) region, according to a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday. Until his appointment Mr Faroukh was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria for almost five years and acting VP for the WECA region.

The WECA region is made up of Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia and Benin.

The statement said Mr Brett Goschen, the CEO of MTN Ghana since 2006, had also been appointed the new CEO of MTN Nigeria. Before coming to Ghana, Mr Goschen, a chartered accountant, served as Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria from 2002 to 2006. In Ghana, Mr Goschen will be replaced by Mr Michael Ikpoki, the Sales and Distribution Executive for MTN Nigeria. Mr Ikpoki joined MTN Nigeria as Regulatory Advisor in 2001 and was promoted to General Manager: Regulatory Affairs in 2004. MTN Group President and CEO Mr Phuthuma Nhleko congratulated the executives on their appointments.

"Faroukh's contribution to MTN Nigeria as well as to the WECA region has been most valued and appreciated. Goschen's wide experience and in-depth knowledge of MTN Group and MTN Nigeria makes him aptly equipped to lead MTN Nigeria."

"Through his exposure to various facets of the business, Ikpoki has gained extensive experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, as well as exposure to sales and distribution and commercial operations at a senior level," Nhleko said.