Search for a new Eskom CEO is already underway says board member Mteto Nyati

The embattled power generator, Eskom, is already working hard to appoint a new CEO following the resignation of Andre de Ruyter.

According to the Eskom board member Mteto Nyati, he said that the process to hire a competent and experienced CEO is already underway.

The new CEO’s primary tasks will be to keep the lights on and completing the unbundling process after the departure of de Ruyter at the end of March.

IOL reports that De Ruyter was the highest-earning board member at R7.04 million per annum, but he resigned voluntarily in December, he said he would stay on for the next three months to facilitate a smooth transition.

In an internal and external advertisement posted on its website and sighted by BusinessTech Africa, the embattled power utility said the new group CEO must have a postgraduate degree in engineering, business administration, economics, or suitable qualification at NQF level 8 with 480 credits.

The closing date for applications is Monday, February 27, 2023 and the new CEO is expected to take office from April 1.

“The company has been hard at work and they will be presenting to the nomination committee a long list in the next two weeks,” Nyati said.

“That’s the beginning of the process, and then we will end up with a shortlist at some point.”

Looking at the job specifications, the prospective candidate must have at least 15 – 20 years of senior management experience at the executive committee level.

The incoming CEO must also have a solid track record of working in a complex environment, leading business turnaround, ideally within emerging markets; among others.

“[The new CEO must] lead and build an executive team, which will stabilise an organisation in crisis, while managing diverse and sometimes conflicting stakeholder expectations and ensure that the organisation manages risk and regulatory compliance, requirements, whilst achieving fiscal discipline and reducing high debt level,” reads part of the advert.

“An inspiring and engaging executive who will be seen as a strong leader of Eskom and viewed throughout the industry as an effective leader.”

The CEO’s position at Eskom becomes available as de Ruyter is the 11th CEO to have left the company in just more than 10 years, including current board chairperson Mpho Makwana, Phakamani Hadebe, Sean Maritz, and Jabu Mabuza.