Chief Executive Officer, Zain Nigeria, Mr Bayo Ligali, has been named CEO of the Year at the 2008 Telecom Awards.
At the event held in Lagos, Zain, was for the fifth time recognised as Best Customer Care Operator.
Ligali was recognised for his astute leadership and outstanding contributions to the growth of Zain Nigeria, and development of telecommunications in Nigeria, as well as for being the face of the industry within a short time of coming into the telecommunications business.
According to the Board of Trustees of Telecom Awards, his philosophy of constructive engagement with government and lawmakers on the issue of Quality of Service led to a moratorium for operators, which has resulted in significant improvements.
Ligali made headlines and drew public acclaim early this year, when he apologised to customers for poor quality of service and committed to immediate and accelerated network expansion to remedy the situation. He was also honoured for “not only keeping his word, but leading his company, Zain Nigeria, to become the fastest growing with over 200per cent increase in base station and switches, and a corresponding increase in network capacity.
The Board of Trustees of Telecom Awards praised Ligali’s leadership, saying “since he took over the reins of Celtel (now Zain) a year and half ago, he has re-invigorated operations and galvanised the workforce into committing to reclaiming the top position in the telecommunications industry.
“Zain’s active customers, it further stated, “have increased from 5.4 million in May 2006, to over 15.5 million and the company currently ranks strong second (and contending No. 1) in the highly competitive Nigerian telecommunications market, with a vision to become number one by 2011,” the statement said.
Born 52 years ago in Lagos Island, Ligali started his management career in Unilever Audit Department as an Auditor in 1979, and worked various management positions in UAC of Nigeria Plc before moving to the Foods Division as the Acting General Manager in 1991. He also held a number of senior management positions within Unilever Corporate Financial Group, including Corporate Finance Manger for Latin America, Central Asia and Middle East, based in London. During the period, he was appointed to the board of UAC Nigeria Plc as a Non Executive Director.
Source: This Day
