Eskom, the monolithic state-owned South African power utility that\u2019s grappling with an unsustainable debt load and chronic operational problems, has advertised for a new chief executive officer two months after Phakamani Hadebe announced he\u2019d vacate the post.<\/p>\n
The job is probably one of South Africa\u2019s most challenging – it entails overseeing a company that supplies about 95% of the nation\u2019s electricity, has more than 47,600 employees and revenue of R190 billion ($13.6 billion) yet isn\u2019t selling enough power to cover its costs.<\/p>\n
Hadebe said he would quit at the end of this month because the role comes with \u201cunimaginable demands\u201d that have taken a toll on his health.<\/p>\n
The new CEO is required to have experience overseeing \u201csignificant change in a complex organisation with at least 20,000 employees and an annual turnover in excess of R30 billion,\u201d<\/p>\n
Eskom said in its advertisement. He or she will also play a leading role in restructuring the utility, including implementing plans to split it into generation, distribution and transmission units under a state holding company.<\/p>\n
\u201cA competitive executive-level package will be tailored to attract the right caliber candidate, subject to approved remuneration and incentive guidelines,\u201d Eskom said.<\/p>\n
Other requirements include a university degree, ideally at a post-graduate level, 20 years work experience and strong commercial acumen, while experience and expertise in the engineering, construction and energy fields will be an advantage. Applications close on 2 August.<\/p>\n