MultiChoice Owner Announces New Leadership Team
MultiChoice owner announces new leadership team following Canal+’s mandatory takeover of DStv parent company MultiChoice. The new Canal+ Africa leadership structure integrates executives from both Canal+ and MultiChoice, signaling a new era for the African TV industry. With fresh appointments and a balanced board, the company aims to drive sustainable growth across the continent.
Canal+ Africa Leadership After MultiChoice Takeover
The French media giant Canal+ has finalized its MultiChoice takeover, a move that reshapes broadcasting across Africa. At the heart of this shift is the announcement of a new senior management team. The leadership will combine expertise from both companies, ensuring that the strengths of MultiChoice are carried into the new Canal+ Africa brand.
Former MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela has been appointed chairman of Canal+ Africa. In addition, David Mignot steps in as CEO of the combined entity, symbolizing a partnership between French and African leadership styles. The company states that the integration is designed to safeguard independence while enabling Canal+ to expand its footprint in English- and French-speaking African markets.
New Executive Appointments
The leadership team includes seasoned professionals with deep roots in African broadcasting. According to Canal+, both Canal+ and MultiChoice contributed equally to the new structure.
Key new executive appointments include:
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David Mignot – CEO, Africa
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Nicolas Dandoy – CFO, Africa
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Aziz Diallo – CEO, PayTV French-speaking Africa
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Byron du Plessis – CEO, PayTV South Africa
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Fhulufhelo “Fhulu” Badugela – CEO, PayTV Rest of Africa
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Jean-François Duboy – CEO, GVA
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Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee – CEO, Advertising and Media Sales, Africa
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Sabelo Mawali – Chief Technology Officer, Africa
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Tshepi Malatjie – Director, Human Resources, Africa
Alongside these leaders, other directors oversee critical divisions such as content, public affairs, brand and communications, and finance. Notably, Steven Budlender will lead legal affairs for English-speaking regions, while Tim Jacobs will handle financial synergies.
These new executive appointments bring a balance of experience, diversity, and global perspective to the company’s ambitious growth plans.
A Strategic Blend of Talent
The combined leadership team reflects seven nationalities, demonstrating Canal+ Africa’s commitment to diversity. The company emphasizes that this mix of skills, cultural perspectives, and networks will help strengthen its position in the African TV industry.
Calvo Mawela highlighted the importance of balance between innovation and tradition:
“The new board has been constituted to ensure stability through the transition while seeking to introduce fresh skills and international expertise.”
This approach is vital as the company plans to expand into untapped African markets while consolidating its presence in regions where MultiChoice already has strong roots.
Impact on the African TV Industry
The African TV industry has been evolving rapidly, with streaming platforms, satellite services, and fiber TV networks competing for subscribers. Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice strengthens its control over premium broadcasting, sports rights, and original African content.
The new leadership team is expected to:
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Expand African storytelling: Bringing unique local content to international audiences.
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Strengthen pay-TV services: With localized strategies for French- and English-speaking regions.
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Enhance digital transformation: Leveraging Canal+’s experience in streaming and MultiChoice’s DStv platform.
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Promote sustainable growth: By combining international expertise with local knowledge.
The MultiChoice takeover positions Canal+ as a dominant player in Africa’s media and entertainment landscape, with the leadership team tasked to steer the company through rapid technological shifts.
Divisions Across the Continent
The company revealed that Canal+ Africa will operate through three main divisions:
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Operations – Overseeing TV, streaming, and fiber services.
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Content – Covering general entertainment, sport, and localized programming.
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Corporate functions – Handling finance, public affairs, brand management, and human resources.
This structure ensures that decision-making remains focused while aligning local operations with international best practices. The Canal+ Africa leadership team will function as a single management entity, covering all nine regions where the company is active.
Leadership Vision and Future Plans
CEO David Mignot praised the management team, emphasizing their strong track record and vision for the future:
“We have an incredible Africa leadership team that has an exceptional track record across the continent and within the global group. Working together, we will deliver growth by telling unique African stories, bringing great international content to subscribers, and leveraging our global scale.”
This commitment reflects Canal+ Africa’s broader strategy—merging global reach with African creativity. The company plans to boost investment in original African productions while maintaining access to international sports and entertainment.
Challenges and Opportunities
The African TV industry remains competitive. With Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax increasing their presence, Canal+ Africa faces the challenge of holding on to its pay-TV subscriber base. However, the new executive appointments suggest the company is ready to tackle these challenges.
Key opportunities include:
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Expanding streaming services to rural and semi-urban areas.
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Localizing content for diverse African audiences.
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Partnering with telecoms for bundled TV and data services.
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Innovating around sports broadcasting, a key driver of subscriptions.
The MultiChoice takeover gives Canal+ access to an already strong subscriber base of millions, offering an advantage over newer streaming entrants.
Conclusion
The announcement that the MultiChoice owner announces new leadership team marks a pivotal moment for broadcasting in Africa. With Calvo Mawela as chairman and David Mignot as CEO, the new Canal+ Africa leadership blends experience, diversity, and innovation.
The new executive appointments aim to ensure smooth integration and strong growth across the African TV industry, positioning Canal+ Africa as a powerhouse in media and entertainment.
As the company embraces this transition, its focus on African storytelling, digital innovation, and subscriber experience will be critical in shaping the future of television across the continent.
