Former Vodacom CEO, Pieter Uys, handed over the reins to Shameel Joosub on 1 September 2012.
The usual next step for high level executives within Vodafone, like Uys, is to take up another position within the group outside of the country – but Uys has decided that South Africa is his home, and he’d like to remain in the country.
In a candid interview with MyBroadband, Uys said that he loves South Africa and, instead of furthering his career in another country, he will look for opportunities within our borders where he can use his experience and skills.
For now, Uys is staying at Vodacom until March 2013 to ensure a smooth transition, and after that he is restrained from working for a direct Vodafone competitor for two years. However, this restraint of trade is unlikely to influence Uys’ plans.
Uys said that, after 30 years in the telecommunications industry, it is time to look at opportunities and challenges outside of this industry.
The former Vodacom CEO said that, although he is a true gadget and technology addict, his professional interests have firmly shifted to business – and this is where he would like to focus his efforts once his term at Vodacom ends in April 2013.
As he was still CEO until last week, Uys said that he had not seriously considered any offers yet, but he will now start to explore his options.
He added that he is definitely not simply after another CEO position, but is rather looking at an opportunity where he can make a positive difference.
Uys said that he believes in South Africa, and would love to retire here. “I did not live in South Africa for 50 years just to leave,” he said.
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