Cell C Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cell C has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and escalation management.

Driven by a commitment to customer connectivity, Cell C provides essential voice, data, and messaging services across South Africa, shaping the nation's digital landscape through accessible telecommunications solutions.

Leadership Roles at Cell C

  • Chief Executive Officer - Thapelo Thenza
  • Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent - Mershall Motale
  • Chief Financial Officer - Muhieddine Ghalayini
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Melanie Forbes
  • Chief Operations Officer - Frederick Vermeulen
  • Hro - Kasie Subrian
  • Thapelo Thenza - Chief Executive Officer

    Thapelo Thenza, the Chief Executive Officer at Cell C, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the telecommunications provider. This leadership role involves steering the company through market dynamics, ensuring robust service delivery of voice, data, and messaging to customers across South Africa. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering innovation within the network infrastructure and service offerings, aligning all departments toward achieving sustainable growth and market leadership. By setting high-level objectives and overseeing their implementation, Thapelo Thenza ensures Cell C maintains its competitive edge and commitment to providing essential connectivity solutions. This executive's focus remains on optimizing business performance and enhancing customer value through strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

    Mershall Motale - Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent

    Mershall Motale, the Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent at Cell C, directs specialized functions focused on customer issue resolution and agent performance management. This executive oversees the critical processes for handling escalated customer concerns, ensuring timely and effective solutions that uphold service quality standards. The Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent's responsibilities include developing strategies to improve agent efficiency and customer satisfaction, directly impacting the overall service experience. By managing these key operational areas, Mershall Motale ensures that customer support channels are robust and responsive, reinforcing Cell C's commitment to its subscribers. This leadership role is vital for maintaining customer trust and operational integrity within the telecommunications provider's service delivery framework.

    Muhieddine Ghalayini - Chief Financial Officer

    Muhieddine Ghalayini, the Chief Financial Officer at Cell C, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This critical position involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across South Africa. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to capital allocation, investment strategies, and managing relationships with financial institutions to secure necessary funding for operational expansion and technological upgrades. By providing insightful financial analysis, Muhieddine Ghalayini supports executive decision-making, driving profitability and long-term financial stability for the telecommunications services provider. This leadership ensures efficient resource management and optimizes financial performance to support Cell C's mission of delivering accessible voice, data, and messaging services.

    Melanie Forbes - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melanie Forbes, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cell C, spearheads the company's market presence and customer engagement strategies. This role encompasses developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight Cell C's voice, data, and messaging services to a broad customer base throughout South Africa. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees brand management, market research, and digital marketing initiatives, ensuring the company's offerings resonate with consumer needs and preferences. By analyzing market trends and competitive landscapes, Melanie Forbes identifies opportunities for service enhancement and customer acquisition, driving revenue growth and strengthening brand loyalty. This executive's leadership ensures Cell C effectively communicates its value proposition and maintains a strong connection with its target audience.

    Frederick Vermeulen - Chief Operations Officer

    Frederick Vermeulen, the Chief Operations Officer at Cell C, oversees the day-to-day operational activities that ensure the seamless delivery of telecommunications services. This executive's mandate includes managing network operations, service provisioning, and customer support infrastructure across South Africa, guaranteeing the reliability of voice, data, and messaging offerings. The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for optimizing operational efficiency, implementing process improvements, and ensuring that all technical and service delivery functions align with strategic business objectives. By driving operational excellence, Frederick Vermeulen supports Cell C's mission to provide accessible and high-quality mobile telecommunications. This leadership ensures the company's infrastructure effectively meets the demands of its customer base.

    Kasie Subrian - Hro

    Kasie Subrian, the Hro at Cell C, leads the human resources function, focusing on talent management and organizational development. This executive is responsible for shaping the workforce strategy, ensuring Cell C attracts, develops, and retains skilled personnel essential for delivering its voice, data, and messaging services. The Hro oversees recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, fostering a productive and engaging work environment. By aligning HR initiatives with the company's operational goals, Kasie Subrian plays a crucial role in supporting the overall success of the telecommunications provider. This leadership ensures that the human capital is effectively managed to drive business objectives and maintain high service standards across the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cell C Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cell C?
    Cell C is led by Thapelo Thenza (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mershall Motale (Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent) and Muhieddine Ghalayini (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cell C’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cell C includes leaders such as Thapelo Thenza (Chief Executive Officer), Mershall Motale (Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent), Muhieddine Ghalayini (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cell C have?
    Cell C has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cell C’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cell C includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Operations Officer.