Nigerian-based telecommunications infrastructure provider IHS has appointed Rhys Phillip as Chief Commercial Officer to support continued expansion across Africa and the Middle East.
Rhys (43) joins Nigeria-headquartered IHS from Ernst & Young LLP where he was Partner and Global Head of Transaction Advisory Services for the Telecommunications Sector.
In addition to advising tower businesses on many of the African transactions since 2007 – particularly focusing on deals in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda – he led cross border transactions for leading operators, infrastructure businesses, financial investors and Managed Service Providers.
Prior to Ernst & Young, Rhys led M&A transactions in house for Vodafone and BT Group and spent a number of years in Investment Banking in the UK and Europe. Rhys qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse, following a Law degree from Cambridge University.
IHS owns and manages over 9,000 mobile network tower sites across Africa. The business recently secured two significant deals to own and manage MTN and Orange France Telecom’s tower portfolios in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire .
Issam Darwish, CEO, IHS commented on the appointment: “Rhys has been one of the most impressive experts on African infrastructure in the market for years. Having advised some of the world’s largest mobile network operators, he is an exciting addition to the IHS leadership team as we continue to grow our business. He is an expert in constructing value driven acquisitions, ensuring efficacy and accuracy throughout. We are looking forward to benefiting from Rhys’ knowledge and network in the telecoms sector at this important stage of our growth.”
Rhys Philip said “IHS’ recent deals with Orange in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire highlight the dynamism of the management team and the momentum they have created for IHS, Nigeria’s most exciting telecommunications infrastructure provider. The focus on providing cutting edge technology solar energy innovations in addition to terrific growth over the last 18 months makes me very proud to join Issam’s team and I am thrilled to be part of IHS’ continued growth story and increase the tower portfolio while attracting supportive investors.”
Staff Writer