Just how talented is Sylvia Mulinge to continue getting promotions at Safaricom? That is the question on everyone’s lips after she was appointed the company’s new Chief Operations Officer, a newly created role that places all aspects of customer engagement under one office.
“Sylvia will be responsible for leading Safaricom’s customer obsession and will be in charge of consumer business, sales operations, customer care service, brand marketing & experience, digital and market development,” said Mr Collymore in an email to staff sent on Friday, the same day the appointments became effective.
Ms. Mulinge came to the limelight after an embarrassing debacle in Tanzania where President John Magufuli’s government totally refused to allow her appointment as Vodacom Tanzania CEO.
She is also accused of killing a minor through dangerous driving in Kibera. The child’s parents however agreed to settle the matter out of court.
According to Kahawatungu, Sylvia Mulinge has also be accused of corruption by some of Safaricom’s former suppliers, claiming that she only influence award of tenders to companies she controls.
So why does she keep getting promotions, Kahawatungu believes its because she has a romantic relationship with the company’s CEO Bob Collymore.
“It is also known that while Bob Collymore has been romantically involved with Sylvia Mulinge and Rita Okuthe, the battle for his heart was won by Rita who was promoted when Sylvia got the job in Tanzania.” reads part of an article on the Robert Alai owned blog.
Mr Collymore has also reorganised the reporting structure in at least seven other roles, cutting the number of people reporting to him directly from 12 to nine.
At the same time, Charles Wanjohi has been confirmed as director consumer business unit, a role Ms Mulinge held until the failed Vodacom appointment. Mr Wanjohi, however, will now report to CCO unlike before when the holder of the role was reporting to the CEO.
According to Mr Collymore, the changes will support the strategic pillars of putting customers first, as was launched three years ago.
“In line with our strategy that guides us to deliver on our purpose, performance ambition and realities of our current and future operating environments, it has become necessary re-organise how we work to create a sharper focus on our customer and align teams strategically to drive better execution,” he said.