Cell C Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cell C has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, 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
  • 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's trajectory in the competitive South African market, ensuring robust delivery of voice, data, and messaging services. Thenza oversees the integration of new technologies and service enhancements to meet evolving customer demands. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key stakeholder relationships and driving sustainable growth initiatives. By aligning departmental objectives with corporate goals, Thapelo Thenza ensures the company maintains its position as a significant player in the mobile telecommunications sector. This executive guides the organization's response to market dynamics and regulatory landscapes, solidifying Cell C's operational framework and future development plans.

    Mershall Motale - Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent

    Mershall Motale, the Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent at Cell C, spearheads the resolution of complex customer issues and optimizes agent performance within the telecommunications provider's service framework. This specialized leadership position focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction through efficient escalation management and agent support for voice, data, and messaging services. Motale directs the development and implementation of protocols for handling critical customer inquiries and ensuring agent effectiveness across South Africa. The Chief Executive Officer, Escalation & Agent collaborates with operational teams to refine service delivery processes and improve response times. By fostering a culture of excellence in customer support, Mershall Motale ensures that escalated issues are resolved promptly and effectively, thereby safeguarding customer loyalty and reinforcing Cell C's commitment to service quality.

    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 role involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for the South African telecommunications provider. Ghalayini directs the management of financial risks and ensures compliance with all relevant financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer plays a pivotal part in securing funding, managing investor relations, and optimizing capital allocation to support the company's growth objectives in voice, data, and messaging services. By providing rigorous financial analysis and strategic guidance, Muhieddine Ghalayini supports informed decision-making across all business units. This executive's oversight ensures the financial stability and long-term viability of Cell C's operations and expansion efforts.

    Melanie Forbes - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melanie Forbes, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cell C, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition. This role focuses on driving market penetration for Cell C's voice, data, and messaging services across South Africa. Forbes directs all aspects of brand management, advertising campaigns, and digital marketing initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging and impactful outreach. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates closely with sales and product development teams to translate market insights into actionable growth plans. By analyzing consumer behavior and market trends, Melanie Forbes identifies opportunities to expand the company's customer base and strengthen its competitive edge. This executive's leadership ensures that Cell C's service offerings resonate effectively with target demographics, fostering customer loyalty and driving revenue growth through strategic promotional activities.

    Frederick Vermeulen - Chief Operations Officer

    Frederick Vermeulen, the Chief Operations Officer at Cell C, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of telecommunications services across South Africa. This executive role encompasses the management of network infrastructure, service deployment, and operational efficiency for voice, data, and messaging offerings. Vermeulen oversees the optimization of operational processes to enhance service reliability and customer experience. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with technology and customer service departments to streamline operations and implement best practices. By focusing on operational excellence, Frederick Vermeulen drives improvements in service uptime and resource utilization, contributing directly to the company's overall performance and market competitiveness. This leadership ensures the seamless functioning of Cell C's extensive service network.

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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 5 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.