Cell C appoints new finance boss

Cell C has appointed El Kope as its new chief financial officer (CFO) and executive director for finance.

Kope is a chartered accountant who joined Cell C in September 2022 as the executive head of financial planning and analysis.

She has been acting as CFO since the departure of Lerato Pule in August 2023, which came less than a year after Pule assumed the role.

Cell C said Kope demonstrated remarkable leadership, strategic foresight, and financial acumen as acting CFO.

“Her swift actions have significantly improved governance, stabilised the finance department, and strengthened relationships with critical stakeholders, thus placing Cell C in a more favourable position,” the company said.

“Adept at stakeholder management, and known for her humour, wit, and humility, El is a trusted collaborator with internal stakeholders, the board, peers on the executive committee, the finance team, and management.”

Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes said he could not be more pleased with Kope’s well-deserved appointment.

“I look forward to her ongoing contribution as we drive our growth and reposition Cell C for long-term sustainability,” Mendes said.

Before joining Cell C, Kope amassed a wealth of experience from her tenures at multinational corporations such as DHL, Coca-Cola Africa, and SA Breweries.

“Notably, she played a pivotal role in driving Tsebo International’s impressive $150 million turnover in her tenure,” Cell C said.

Cell C added that Kope helped the company achieve several key milestones, including materially improving governance structures and instituting the correct methodologies, resulting in revenue enhancement.

“She has also fostered positive relationships with the media and the investor community,” the company said.

Kope said it was an honour to lead financial excellence at Cell C as the company embarked on an “exciting” growth journey.

She added that she was humbled by the confidence the Cell C management and board had placed in her and looked forward to helping drive the company’s “collective success”.