Bob Collymore about to return from extended medical leave

Safaricom #ticker:SCOM chief executive officer Bob Collymore is nearing return from his extended medical leave, he said yesterday in a videolink address to investors.

Mr Collymore said during release of the company’s full year results that he has started the final phase of his treatment, and expects to return to the country as soon as his doctors in London clear him to travel.

He has been away from office since October last year receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

“I have just entered the final phase of treatment and expect to be back in Nairobi as soon as doctors feel that my immune system is sufficiently robust to withstand the infection risks that are usually associated with airline travel,” Mr Collymore told investors in the video message.

“It is difficult to say exactly when that will be, but close monitoring by the medical team here in London will continue for a number of weeks to come.” In his absence, Safaricom Chief Financial Officer Sateesh Kamath has filled in for him, supported by Director of Strategy and Innovation Joseph Ogutu.
Mr Collymore said he had been increasingly engaged with Safaricom’s management team and board of directors as well as participating in meetings via video link.

Mr Kamath said that the leadership team has been constantly in touch with Mr Collymore, allowing him to re-confirm some important decisions they take in his absence.

“Whenever his health permits, and when we are in London, we do face- to- face discussions,” said Mr Kamath.

The company announced an increase in its net profit for the year ended March 2018 to Sh55.3bn from Sh48.4bn earned in the previous year.

Mr Collymore told investors that the company will continue to invest in the key revenue drivers of M-Pesa and data to maintain the growth.

READ: Safaricom full-year profit hits Sh55.3bn, Bob makes comeback