Calib Cassim steps in as Eskom’s new interim CEO

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The power utility’s CFO takes up the role after CEO Andre de Ruyter’s resignation in December.

Eskom has announced that its CFO, Calib Cassim, has been appointed as the group’s interim CEO with immediate effect. This comes after former CEO Andre de Ruyter resigned in December, and then left with immediate effect this week.

Read more: Eskom undertakes executive search for new CEO

Calib has spent over 19 years working at the power utility, including several years leading the regulation department. He was appointed Eskom CFO in November 2018 after serving as acting CFO from July 2017, and later became a permanent member of the exco.

In a previous interview with CFO South Africa, Calib explained that being the CFO at Eskom was not a typical finance role. “I enjoy the challenge of contributing to Eskom, and more importantly, to the country. This is not an easy job.”

During his time as CFO, Calib has gone to work fighting the legacy of corruption the utility has seen. He has instituted several new controls and processes.

Read more: Calib Cassim unpacks how he saved a sinking ship

Now, as he takes the CEO seat, the challenges and risks are two-fold.

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