Telecommunications giant MTN Group has appointed Mike Silber as group executive regulatory, effective April 1.

Over the past five years, Silber held the role of Liquid Telecom group chief regulatory officer, where he was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the most extensive cross-border fibre network in Africa, as well as the continent's largest networked data centre operation.

“Mike's extensive background, spanning legal expertise and regulatory leadership across Africa and beyond, makes him a valuable addition to our team. His passion for bridging digital connections within Africa and with the world resonates deeply with MTN's purpose. We look forward to the innovative approaches and insights Mike will contribute to our efforts in enabling a modern connected life for everyone on the continent,” said MTN Group chief legal and regulatory officer Lele Modise.

With over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications and Internet sectors, he brings legal, policy and regulatory expertise in addressing business challenges and finding creative solutions to deliver business results, with his achievements highlighting his commitment to enhancing Africa's digital landscape and his adeptness in navigating the complex terrain of legal, policy and regulatory challenges to drive business success and improve connectivity.

Silber, a distinguished South African attorney, holds B Proc and LLB degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and has served on the boards of several industry bodies, such as ISPA South Africa and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

He is an associate of the LINK Centre at Wits, while contributing his expertise to the boards of the Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa and the Public Interest Registry.

“MTN Group warmly welcomes Mike to his new role and anticipates his significant contributions towards achieving the group's vision of leading digital solutions for Africa's progress,” the company said in a statement issued on Thursday.