Vodacom picks long-serving MTN exec Philip Besiimire to lead Tanzania subsidiary

Philip Besiimire has been named MD of Vodacom Tanzania. The long serving MTN Group executive, who takes over his new role from October 15, 2022, will replace Hilda Bujiku who has held the MD position in an acting capacity following the departure of the previous substantive boss at the telco, Sitholizwe Mdlalose.

Besiimire, a Ugandan national, moves to Vodacom Tanzania from MTN South Africa where he most recently served as the Chief Officer in charge of Sales, Distribution and Regional Operations from Jul 2019 up to his current appointment in September 2022. Here, he had overall responsibility for driving implementation of overall strategy through a defined Regional, Sales and Distribution strategy to achieve telco’s growth objectives – including channel mix strategy, channel footprint, share of own shops vs. indirect channels and in-shop service strategy.

(TOP: Philip Besiimire, the incoming Vodacom Tanzania MD).  

The incoming Vodacom boss in Tanzania began his professional career MTN Uganda in March 2007 as the Senior Manager for Consumer Marketing. In this role, which he old for just about 2 years, he was responsible for all Consumer Segments (growth and profitability), Brand (including advertising and PR) as well as Sponsorships.

In October 2008, he moved to Swaziland, becoming the Chief Marketing Officer for the MTN subsidiary in the South African nation. In this role, he was in charge of developing and executing marketing and communications strategy, PR and corporate communications. From January 2010 till September 2010, he assumed additional responsibility as the Acting CEO, working with the overall team to deliver shareholder value (including ensuring financial and human capital return), positioning in the market place and adding economic value to the business within the social, political and economic context of Swaziland and within the MTN Group.

Towards the end of 2012, Busiimire relocated to Zambia to take over the role of Chief Marketing Officer for MTN Zambia. He served in this position till February 2013.

In goodbye message to his former colleagues at MTN Group, Besiimire stated:

“It’s been an absolute pleasure serving customers, collaborating with stakeholders and working with each MTNer all these years. Together, MTN accomplished great things over the many years. I am proud to have been even a small part of that success. It has been a real pleasure in every respect.

To say MTN was a magnificent start to my career would be an understatement. My roles challenged me, allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and provided rewarding experiences and connections I’ll always treasure. I’ve worked alongside some of the smartest people I’ve ever met and learned as much as I could from them; lessons that will be invaluable in the months and years to come.

To the MTN Group EXCO, past and present, thank you for trusting me with various Executive responsibility since 2008, when as a rookie at MTN Uganda, I was promoted to CMO MTN Eswatini and later went on to work with amazing teams, in MTN Zambia, MTN South Sudan, and MTN South Africa and indirectly with folks across the MTN footprint; folks that have become friends and family. I know that you helped shape my career in ways that I may not even fully recognize until later in life. For that, and for so much more, I sincerely thank you.

To my coaches and mentors – you have shared your knowledge with me, I am confident I would never have gone this far without your guidance. Thank you for your support and guidance.

I offer this message as a means to thank those who supported me during my tenure, to express my gratitude for the strong network I’ve built through my time with MTN, and to demonstrate value for the strong professional experience I’ve developed. These have all led me to the next steps in my career. I wouldn’t be near the person I am without the encouragement of people who took a chance on me at MTN. Thanks for everything!..”