Sylvia Mulinge returns to Safaricom to lead special projects

Sylvia Mulinge is set to return to Safaricom Centre on Monday as Director, Special Projects, CEO Bob Collymore has announced.

In an email to staff, Collymore said Ms Mulinge will report directly to him and will be responsible for spearheading the telco’s commercial revival and help it deliver its strategy and transform Safaricom into a business that is fit for the future.

The move comes about two weeks after it emerged that authorities in Tanzania were unwilling to give her a work permit to take up her appointment as Managing Director, Vodacom Tanzania.

The firm has since named Hishim Hendi as the acting MD awaiting the recruitment of a substantive holder. She was poised to replace Ian Ferrao on June 1 this year after his contract expired and he opted not to renew it.

Ms Mulinge is a former director of the consumer business unit at Safaricom.  Her previous role has since been taken up by Charles Wanjohi, previously the Head of Consumer Segments Marketing.

In her new role, she will also be initially tasked with working with commercial teams to restore customer trust and loyalty.

“In the immediate short term, Sylvia will be working with the commercial teams to restore customer trust and loyalty as we prepare for Safaricom’s coming of age as we celebrate our 18th anniversary which will be marked on 23rd October 2018,” said Collymore.

Ms Mulinge, who previously worked with Uniliver, joined Safaricom in February 2006 as the manager responsible for the company’s pre-pay product. In November 2007, she was promoted to become Head of Retail Business before being appointed Head of Safaricom Business, responsible for sales.

In May 2011, she was promoted to General Manager for Enterprise Business, working in that capacity for the next four years. In May 2015, she was promoted to the position of Director of Consumer Business at Safaricom.

She is also a trustee of the Safaricom Foundation.