Corporate Report: New Appointments at Smile Communication

*Overview

Smile Communication, a prominent pan-African telecommunications group with a significant presence in Nigeria, has announced key appointments that are expected to enhance its leadership and operational capabilities. Mann El Amine has been appointed as the Group Managing Director while Abhulime Ehiagwina takes on the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer* for Nigeria.

*Appointment of Mann El Amine

*Role:Group Managing Director  

*Experience:Over 28 years in telecommunications and executive management.

- *Career Progression: Mann El Amine has transitioned through various operational roles, from technical and commercial positions to general management.

- *Expertise Areas:His extensive experience encompasses mobile operations, international wholesale carriers, submarine cable systems, renewable energy, and data centers.

- *Negotiation Skills: El Amine is recognized as a high-stakes negotiator with competencies in mergers and acquisitions, visionary leadership, and organizational restructuring.

*Previous Role:

Before joining Smile Communication, El Amine was with ME Consulting in Dubai, UAE, where he provided consulting services in telecommunications and renewable energy solutions.

*Education:

- Maîtrise in Electronics and Automation from Rennes I University, France (1991).

- DEA in Robotics from Paris VI University, France (1993).

*Notable Positions:

- Engineering Manager at France Telecom Mobile Liban-Cellis.

- Senior Vice President for Data Centers at Damac Group (March 2017)

*Appointment of Abhulime Ehiagwina

Role:Acting Chief Executive Officer for Nigeria  

*Experience:

 Extensive experience in finance across multiple industries including telecommunications and infrastructure.

- *Leadership Skills:

Ehiagwina is a multi-disciplinary C-suite executive with a strong background in strategic leadership, operational improvement, and corporate restructuring.

- *Organizational Renewal:

 He has proven capabilities in managing organizational renewal and enhancing corporate efficiency.

*Previous Roles:

- Chief Financial Officer at NATCOM (NTEL).

- Chief Financial Officer and Board Member at Helios Towers Nigeria.

- Acting Chief Financial Officer at Etisalat Nigeria.

- Several senior finance positions at Celtel, Total PLC, and John Holt PLC.

*Key Achievements:

- Successfully led the issuance of a $250 million Eurobond for Helios Towers Nigeria, a significant milestone being the first non-bank/Oil & Gas Eurobond issuance in Nigeria.

*Education:

- BSc in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University.

- MBA from the University of Lagos.

- Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA).

- Advanced Management & Leadership Programme at Said Business School, Oxford University.

*Conclusion

The appointments of Mann El Amine and Abhulime Ehiagwina mark a strategic move for Smile Communication as it aims to strengthen its leadership in the telecommunications sector. With their extensive experience and proven track records, they are well-positioned to drive operational excellence and innovation within the organization.