It`s not often you get to see MTN president and group CEO Phuthuma Nhleko. In fact, if you don`t attend the company`s annual general meetings and presentations to analysts, you could be forgiven for wondering whether the man exists.

Bordering on appearing humble, Nhleko is unlikely to overwhelm you with dynamism. Nevertheless, his understated and quiet way of speaking to the market is proof that sometimes you need not shout to be taken seriously. Those who have spent time with Nhleko regard the man with great respect. And, without exception, refer to his intelligence as “impressive”. But this was not always the case.

In May 2002, the company – then listed on the JSE as M-Cell – announced that Nhleko would take the reigns from chief executive Paul Edwards in July that year. Although Nhleko had held the position of M-Cell non-executive chairman for just under a year, his influence had, to that, not been considered material and the company`s share price plummeted.