Helios Towers Africa appoints Kash Pandya as new Chief Executive Officer

Helios Towers Africa (HTA) has announced Kash Pandya as its new Chief Executive Officer and Director, with effect from 13 July 2015.

The independent telecommunications towers company also said HTA’s co-founder and current Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Green, will become Executive Chairman.

Kash joins HTA from Aggreko plc, where he was Managing Director of Aggreko International, with responsibility for: Africa, South America, Central America, India, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East.  During his four years in this role, Kash expanded the international business, overseeing launches in over 10 African countries, with Aggreko’s international business doubling in size throughout this period.

Prior to his role as International Managing Director, Kash ran Aggreko’s European division for three years. He joined Aggreko from Johnston Group, a portal engine and content management systems company, where he was Chief Executive Officer.

Chuck Green, Executive Chairman of HTA, said:

“We are delighted that Kash is joining the HTA team. He not only brings with him significant experience in leading multi-country operations in emerging markets, but also his expertise in driving growth through customer-orientated services. He will be a great asset in taking HTA’s growth strategy forward and enabling us to focus on our core purposes of optimizing network performance for our customers while expanding their coverage and improving their quality of service. His in-depth experience in managing complex power systems in emerging markets will prove invaluable in providing a unique perspective in delivering and maintaining operational excellence.”

Kash Pandya, Chief Executive Officer of HTA, commented:

“I am very excited to be joining HTA. Chuck and the team have built an incredible business with unrivalled expertise in owning and managing tower assets across Africa and I look forward to working with them to help fulfil both the Continent’s and the company’s potential.”

Tope Lawani, co-founder of Helios Investment Partners, added:

“We are very grateful to Chuck for his dedicated service to the Company over the last five years.  He has successfully positioned the Company for its continued future development, and will continue to have an important strategic role in our business going forward.”

“At the same time, the Board is delighted to welcome Kash to the Company as we focus on successfully implementing our strategic initiatives and taking advantage of the market opportunities ahead.  Kash is a proven leader with strong operational skills, a customer-oriented focus, and powerful insights that will help drive profitable growth across the Company’s current portfolio and beyond.  Kash joins HTA at a very exciting time and the Board is confident the Company will flourish under his direction and the ongoing investor commitment to the business.”