By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Eskom on Sunday published a quarter-page advertisement for a new group chief executive following the resignation of current CEO Andre de Ruyter in mid-December last year.
De Ruyter had assumed his position on Christmas Day in 2019 and is the utility’s 11th CEO since 2007, when load shedding was first implemented.
De Ruyter’s almost three years at Eskom have been marked by death threats, sabotage, relentless accusations and investigations, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a major lack of urgency from government to heed calls for additional capacity.
The ad explained the CEO’s key responsibilities would include creating a high-performing organisation with a culture that maintains the highest ethical and governance standards.
The minimum qualification required to apply for the position is a postgraduate degree in engineering, business administration, or economics.
“An undergraduate degree, with an MBA or other relevant postgraduate degree, will be an advantage,’ Eskom said.
Alternatively, the utility will consider suitable qualifications at NQF level 8 with 480 credits.
With regards to experience, Eskom is looking for someone with at least 15 to 20 years as a senior manager at the executive committee level, ideally within emerging markets.
The person must also have strong commercial acumen with a successful track record in managing the strategic turnaround of a commercial entity operating within a complex environment with over 20,000 employees and an annual turnover above R50 billion.
Other relevant necessary experience includes:
- A solid track record in mitigating systemic risks and pro-actively managing crises
- A solid understanding of global trends within the energy sector and their applicability to local market conditions
- A demonstrable and sustainable track record of turning around commercially and operationally challenged organisations
- Possess extensive experience in raising capital (funding) and managing large capital projects
- Experience in managing a dynamic and robust stakeholder environment
- Experience in the energy and industrial sectors would be advantageous
- A solid track record of working in a complex environment, leading business turnaround, ideally within emerging markets
The ad also lists personal characteristics that will count in the applicant’s favour.
These include being disciplined, goal-oriented, an intellectually curious critical thinker, and someone with unquestionable personal integrity.