Ikpoki's Appointment, Triumph for MTN's Talent Development Programme

MTN Nigeria has said that the appointment of Michael Ikpoki as the first Nigerian CEO of the company demonstrates the strength of MTN's talent development programme.

An experienced lawyer, seasoned business executive and golf enthusiast, Ikpoki was until his recent appointment, the chief executive officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana.

He replaces Brett Goschen, who takes on the role of MTN group chief financial officer and executive director on the group board.

Akinwale Goodluck, corporate services executive, MTN Nigeria, stated that “Ikpoki’s appointment lends credence to the company’s principle of building local talent and underscores the strength of our leadership development strategy and leadership succession pool.”

According to him, “This is indeed a strong reflection of the MTN talent management creed; Management’s commitment to it and the quality and abundance of talent in MTN Nigeria, having regard to the status of MTN Nigeria as the biggest operating company within the MTN Group.”

Goodluck revealed that the new CEO started his career in telecoms with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). After six years with the NCC, he joined MTN Nigeria as a Regulatory Advisor in 2001, rising steadily through the ranks and receiving the quality of training, capacity building and exposure that are inherent in the company’s employee value proposition.

Ikpoki became general manager, Regulatory Affairs in 2004. Two years later, in 2006, he was appointed general manager, Sales and Distribution and in 2007, the Sales and distribution executive for MTN Nigeria. 

His appointment as the chief executive officer of MTN Ghana in April 2011 made him the First Nigerian in the MTN Group to attain this height.

He is however, not the only one.  Indeed, only a few months after Ikpoki was appointed CEO of MTN Ghana, Karl Toriola, another Nigerian, was also appointed CEO of MTN Cameroun.  

Several other Nigerians have since gone on to hold strategic positions across various MTN operations.