MTN Group has announced the appointment of Pieter Verkade as the new Chief Commercial Officer, effective February 2013. Currently the CEO of MTN Cyprus, Verkade replaces Christian de Faria, who retires in January after six years with the group. In his new role, Verkade will be responsible for the strategic direction of the innovation, products and services strategy, as well as marketing across the group. Verkade's experience spans developed and emerging markets in Europe and Africa. Prior to becoming CEO of MTN Cyprus, he was the Executive for Commercial Strategy and Mobile Money. In this role, he oversaw the growth and deployment of MTN Mobile Money in 15 MTN markets. Verkade was also CMO for MTN South Africa for two years, from 2008. His other positions have included CCO for Orange Netherlands, Vice President Commercial for Orange UK, CFO for KPN/Orange Belgium and senior VP at Telenor.
