MTN Appoints New Executive: Global Sourcing and Supply Chain

MTN Group has appointed Andrew Savage as Executive: Global Sourcing and Supply Chain, who stepped into the role on 1 May.

The appointment follows several months of his being in the role in an acting capacity, and he now takes permanent responsibility for integrating sourcing and supply chain operations across the group.

Andrew is taking on the position with more than 20 years of experience in sourcing and supply chain management.

MTN says the move supports continuity in its wider transformation plans, while strengthening digitalisation and sustainability across their procurement operations.

For telco groups operating across multiple markets, procurement functions now play a key role in network deployment, vendor management and cost control.

MTN’s latest leadership move reflects the growing importance of supply chain oversight as operators manage infrastructure investment and changing global supply conditions.

Procurement strategy at the core of operations

MTN says Andrew’s appointment supports its ongoing procurement transformation programme.

The company says the role includes aligning procurement more closely with wider business objectives, while improving agility across markets and strengthening responses to supply uncertainty.

“I am confident that under his leadership, procurement and supply chain will continue to be a key strategic enabler for MTN,” says Tsholofelo Molefe, MTN Group Chief Financial Officer.

MTN says Andrew brings institutional knowledge and strategic consistency to the position following his work within the company’s procurement operations.

Focus on digital procurement

Digital procurement is a major focus for MTN as the operator works to improve transparency, governance and efficiency across sourcing activities.

Andrew joins the role after holding positions including Consultant in Transformation and Operational Excellence and Group Executive and Chief Procurement Officer.

During that period, he worked on procurement centralisation and digital sourcing initiatives across the company.

MTN says Andrew's work includes implementing eSourcing tools, expanding spend analytics and strengthening governance frameworks.

The operator expects those programmes to continue under his leadership as procurement teams increase the use of digital systems to support decision-making and operational visibility.

The company also links procurement strategy with sustainability goals across its supply chain ecosystem.

Alongside cost management, telco companies are increasingly using procurement functions to monitor environmental and social standards among suppliers and partners.

“I’m really grateful (and a little humbled, if I’m honest) to be stepping into the role of Group Executive: GSSC-Global Sourcing and Supply Chain at MTN,” writes Andrew Savage, Executive: Global Sourcing and Supply Chain at MTN, on LinkedIn.

“I'm excited for the future; for stronger partnerships, simpler ways of work and relentless execution.”

Experience across 22 markets

Andrew’s career at MTN includes work on centralising procurement operations across 22 countries.

The company says he also leads procurement excellence initiatives aimed at improving operational performance and coordination across business units.

Centralised procurement structures can support standardisation, supplier management and economies of scale for telco groups operating in multiple regions.

These functions also help operators manage complex technology supply chains linked to network equipment and enterprise services.

MTN says Andrew combines operational expertise with a collaborative management approach as the company continues to develop its supply chain capabilities.

“He is recognised for a collaborative and people-centred leadership style and for his ability to connect people, processes and technology to deliver measurable impact,” writes MTN.

The operator says his focus now centres on building a resilient and future-ready supply chain structure as procurement takes on a broader strategic role within the telco industry.