Globacom, Nigeria’s third-largest telecommunications company, has appointed Ahmad Farroukh as its new CEO. This marks a significant shift for the company, which had been under the leadership of founder Mike Adenuga since its inception in 2003. Farroukh’s appointment is a strategic move in line with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) recommendations to strengthen corporate governance across the telecom sector.
A Seasoned Leader with a Broad Global Footprint
Ahmad Farroukh brings over 30 years of experience in the telecom industry, having previously held executive roles at major players in North America, the Middle East, and Africa. His journey began with the Investcom Group, where he served as CEO before the company was acquired by MTN Group. From there, he moved through various roles at MTN, including as managing director of MTN Ghana and later as CEO of MTN Nigeria (2006–2010). His leadership extended to MTN South Africa in 2014, followed by a role as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Mobily. Most recently, he served as Group CEO for Smile Communications Nigeria, where he led restructuring efforts. Farroukh holds an MBA and is a Certified Public Accountant, credentials that add a financial rigor to his executive acumen
Tackling Challenges at Globacom
Farroukh’s appointment comes as Globacom faces pressing challenges, including a substantial drop in its subscriber base. The NCC recently identified discrepancies in subscriber reporting across the industry, leading to a corrected total that saw Globacom’s subscribers fall to 19.15 million. Farroukh’s mandate is clear: he must oversee an operational overhaul that prioritizes accurate subscriber metrics and sustainable growth. This transformation will include forming a new board and implementing structural changes designed to reposition Globacom in a highly competitive market.
Strategic Goals for Future Growth
With his reputation for turnaround leadership, Farroukh is expected to focus on improving Globacom’s competitive edge, enhancing service quality, and exploring opportunities in emerging digital services. Globacom will likely prioritize expanding its 4G and 5G network reach to keep pace with rivals such as MTN and Airtel, which have already invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades.
In his new role, Farroukh is tasked with not only reversing recent subscriber losses but also driving innovation that will meet Nigeria’s increasing demand for digital connectivity. His deep familiarity with the local and international telecom landscape uniquely positions him to navigate Globacom through this challenging phase
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This leadership change signals a new era for Globacom, as the company strives to adapt to evolving market demands while adhering to regulatory expectations for corporate governance. Farroukh’s extensive experience and strategic focus could be the catalyst needed to reinvigorate one of Nigeria’s most prominent telecommunications brands.
