South African cellular operator Vodacom is preparing for what could be the company`s most significant change since its inception: the departure of operational founder and current group chief executive officer Alan Knott-Craig.

Although Knott-Craig is adamant that Vodacom`s first- and second-tier management levels offer sufficient breadth and depth to make his retirement inconsequential, the investor community is still watching the company avidly in anticipation of Knott-Craig`s successor. Irnest Kaplan, managing director of Kaplan Equity Analysts, says whichever way one looks at it, Knott-Craig`s shoes are going to be difficult to fill. "He built that company from scratch and his larger-than-life personality will cast a shadow over even the most astute replacement. Having said that, he has built an exceptional team over the years; there are a number of candidates ready to take the reigns."