MTN SA appoints new CTIO and MD for Supersonic

MTN South Africa has appointed Michele Gamberini as its new chief technology and information officer (CTIO) and Megan Nicholas as MD of MTN's fiber broadband Internet service provider, Supersonic.

Gamberini will join MTN on February 1, 2022, from Telecom Italia (TIM Group) where he gained 25 years of experience across the business at TIM Italy and most recently in the position of Global Group CTIO.

He replaces Giovanni Chiarelli who resigned in December 2021 after five years at MTN. Chiarelli is credited for vastly improving MTN's network and IT systems during his tenure.

MTN said in a statement that Gamberini has a master's degree in electronics engineering and has worked in Italy, Spain and Greece and helped prepare the network evolution ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

MTN SA's new CEO Charles Molapisi said Gamberini's wealth of experience will have a notable contribution toward enhancing MTN's technology functions going forward.

Broadband future

MTN-owned Supersonic is looking to grow its residential market with the appointment of Megan Nicholas on January 1, 2022.

New Supersonic MD Megan Nicholas. (Source: MTN)

She is currently general manager for residential at MTN South Africa, and MTN said the internal appointment is a strategic move to ensure continuous customer growth in the residential market, of which MTN aspires to own 30% market share across all technologies by 2025.

Nicholas replaces Calvin Collett, the outgoing MD of Supersonic. MTN told Connecting Africa that Collett indicated his desire to return to his entrepreneurial roots in October 2021.

"Calvin remains with MTN until March of this year, allowing again for a structured and orderly handover, while also assisting with some strategic projects prior to his departure," MTN explained.

Nicholas' career before MTN included a seven-year stint at Telkom SA and eight years at Cell C as well as previous roles at Nashua Mobile and Motorola.

"Residential broadband delivery is a critical strategic focus, as we work to bring our superior network and service into more of our customer's homes. This battle for the home market needs a leader of Megan's caliber, expertise and experience," said Molapisi of her appointment.

*Top image is of new MTN SA CTIO Michele Gamberini. (Source: MTN)

— The Staff, Connecting Africa