THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has appointed Dr Nicholas Ndebele as the substantive chief executive officer and Ms Stella Nkomo as his deputy.

The appointments are with immediate effect.

In a statement, the ZITF Company said: “The ZITF Company board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Nicholas Ndebele as the substantive chief executive officer with immediate effect.

“Dr Ndebele will be supported in his new role by Ms Stella Nkomo who has been appointed deputy chief executive officer, also with immediate effect.”

Dr Ndebele joined the organisation in 2017 as the sales executive tasked with increasing gains in profit performance, revenue growth and market share across all the firm’s strategic business units.

He was appointed acting general manager in the following year after the resignation of the previous general manager.

“More recently, he has demonstrated capacity and leadership depth taking the company to profitability and guiding the company through one of the most tumultuous periods of its history; ensuring business survival and sustainable continuity despite the disruption on the business brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the attendant knock-on effects,” said the ZITF Company.

Dr Ndebele holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree majoring in Business Leadership from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria.

He is also a holder of an Executive Development Programme (GIBS), a Master of Science in Marketing from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Masters of Business Administration from Midlands State University, Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations from Nust and a Bachelor of Business Studies from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).

The ZITF Company said Ms Nkomo has been with the company for over 14 years driving the marketing, communications and business development functions of the entity and will continue to manage that portfolio as well in addition to her new duties.

“As an accomplished events manager and co-ordinator specialising in exhibitions, conferences and events infrastructure management, she has been instrumental in making sure that the ZITF Company’s exhibitions and events remain the biggest and effective platforms for business growth in the country,” it said.

Ms Nkomo is a holder of a Business Leadership Certificate, ZimChartered Marketer,

Master of Science in Marketing, Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Media Studies from Nust, Marketing Practitioner (Marketers Association Zimbabwe) and is currently studying towards a Master of Science degree in International Relations with UZ.

“Given their combined arsenal of qualifications, knowledge and expertise in the business development and marketing fields, Dr Ndebele and Ms Nkomo are more than equal to the task.

“The board wishes them well in the new roles. The board is fully persuaded that these two appointments supported by a loyal senior management team will be able to deliver the pending transformational strategy to reposition the ZITF Company for the future,” said the organisation. — @okazunga