Outgoing Safaricom CFO Sateesh Kamath on his new role at Vodafone Business

Safaricom, the leading telecommunications company in East Africa, has seen tremendous growth under the leadership of outgoing Chief Financial Officer Sateesh Kamath. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Kamath reflected on his time at Safaricom, highlighting the company's unique approach to business and its focus on transforming the lives of people through technology. Despite being recognized as one of the most profitable companies in the region, Kamath emphasized that Safaricom's primary goal is to create positive impact and build customer loyalty. One of the key innovations that has contributed to Safaricom's success is M-Pesa, a mobile money platform that has revolutionized financial services in Kenya and beyond. Kamath played a crucial role in Safaricom's acquisition of the M-Pesa joint venture from Vodafone, ensuring the future of the platform and shaping its direction for the benefit of East Africa. Looking ahead, Kamath expressed optimism about Safaricom's future, forecasting a transition towards becoming a technology solution provider with a diverse range of products and services. He envisions Safaricom evolving into a company with more non-telecom revenues than traditional telecom services, indicating a bold and ambitious shift in the company's strategic direction. As Kamath prepares to embark on a new journey at Vodafone Business, where he will serve as the global CFO for the enterprise business segment, he spoke about the significant role he aims to play in driving the company's futuristic initiatives. Vodafone Business focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, automation, and cloud services. Kamath's decision to join Vodafone was fueled by the challenge and excitement of working on innovative projects that shape the future of telecommunications. When asked about his strategy for ensuring effective utilization of funds at Vodafone, Kamath highlighted the importance of accelerating investments, improving efficiencies, and steering the company in the right direction under the guidance of Vodafone's leadership. His commitment to maintaining financial discipline and driving growth aligns with Vodafone's vision for the future. Beyond his financial acumen, Kamath is known for his mentorship and leadership skills, which have been instrumental in developing a world-class finance team at Safaricom. In his new role at Vodafone, Kamath intends to continue fostering leadership and talent development, carrying forward the legacy of excellence he leaves behind at Safaricom. In conclusion, Sateesh Kamath's tenure at Safaricom has been marked by transformative growth and a focus on innovation. As he transitions to Vodafone Business, all eyes will be on his strategic vision and leadership in driving the company towards new heights in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape.