Cassava Technologies Initiates New Management Structure: Executive Shake-up Planned for 2025
New Dynamics at Cassava Technologies: Dive into the 2025 Shake-up
It's a bustling time at Cassava Technologies, a dynamic force in the tech world. Just over a week ago, we were mulling over Econet's control transfer of EcoCash Holdings and the consequent board reshuffle. Fast forward to now, and we're grappling with leadership changes at Cassava Technologies.
These modifications come on the heels of Cassava Technologies reacquiring EcoCash, their mobile money business, from EcoCash Holdings in 2024. A comprehensive stride, indeed!
But that's not all. Today, we're taking a closer look at some key player shifts within Cassava Technologies.
The announcements, effective March 1, 2025, follow a recent equity round and business reorganization. The arrangement seems to revolve around smoother operations and strengthening the company's overall game.
Ahmed El Beheiry, stepping into the limelight now, takes charge as the COO and Chief AI Officer, with commercial strategy and business processes under his domain. Fancy titles, huh? That 'Chief AI Officer' tag must be the ultimate 2025 buzzword!
Deon Geyser, on the other hand, steps up as CEO of Liquid Networks. His mission? Leading the company’s connectivity business across Africa, including responding to threats looming large like Starlink.
Several other executives have climbed the ranks to lead specific business units, regional operations, and corporate functions.
It's interesting to note that Lorreta Songola, a familiar face guest-writing here on our website, has moved from her role as Regional Chief Commercial Officer, Central African Region for Liquid Intelligent Technologies, to Managing Director of Cassava's business operations in Zimbabwe.
Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO, shares the company's broader strategy for these moves: "The changes aim to fortify Cassava's market position and fuel future growth."
A New Dawn for Cassava Technologies
London, United Kingdom; 17 February 2025: Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a global trailblazer in African technology, announces its new strategic team changes, marking the start of the next growth phase and ensuring future competitiveness.
In the wake of the successful equity round and Cassava's business reorganization, the addition of new leaders with a variety of expertise will further bolster the company's offerings of Broadband Connectivity, Co-location, Cloud, Cyber Security, Compute (AI), and Payment across more than 30 markets in Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin America.
Founded in 2021, Cassava rose from the vision of its founder and Group Chairman, Strive Masiyiwa, to drive sustainable growth by integrating the full potential of the Cassava ecosystem into its markets. The organization's focus is tuned to adapt evolving market dynamics and technological advancements, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation within the company.
- Fresh Faces
- Ahmed El Beheiry, the new COO and Chief AI Officer for Cassava Technologies, manages the commercial strategy, business processes, CIO, and supply chain.
- Deon Geyser, appointed the CEO of Liquid Networks, steers the company’s connectivity business across Africa, including Liquid's fibre, satellite, wireless, and wholesale voice and connectivity services.
- Ziaad Suleman is the new CEO of Cassava's South African operations.
- Adil El Youssefi helms the co-location business for Cassava Technologies.
- Wellington Makamure heads Rest of Africa & International for Cassava Technologies.
- Finhai Munzara assumes the role of Chief Corporate Development Officer for Cassava Technologies, overseeing M&A, corporate finance, and strategic partnerships.
- Bronwen Zehmke becomes the Group General Counsel for Cassava Technologies.
- Leonard Bore takes charge as the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, managing compliance risk, enterprise risk, Internal Audit, and ESG teams.
- Sharon Marufu leads the group-wide supply chain and procurement as the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Cassava Technologies.
- Lorreta Songola becomes the Managing Director of Cassava's business operations in Zimbabwe.
Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, shares, "Our fresh team brings energy, diversity, and talent to drive our company's growth and success. Together, we will push our 'One Cassava' strategy, integrating the full capability of the Cassava ecosystem in our chosen markets, empowering us to better serve our customers, achieve faster growth, and reinforce our competitive position."
"I am optimistic that these changes, together with the collective efforts of our new and existing team members, will pave the way to sustainable, profitable growth in the future," concluded Pemhiwa.
Pemhiwa is among the departing directors following Tawanda Nyambirai's takeover at EcoCash Holdings' board.
- Ahmed El Beheiry, the new COO and Chief AI Officer for Cassava Technologies, will manage the commercial strategy, business processes, CIO, and supply chain, as part of the company's strategic team changes to bolster its offerings of broadband connectivity, co-location, cloud, cybersecurity, compute (AI), and payment across various markets.
- Deon Geyser, appointed the CEO of Liquid Networks, will lead the company’s connectivity business across Africa, including Liquid's fibre, satellite, wireless, and wholesale voice and connectivity services, as a key component of the new strategic team changes at Cassava Technologies.
