WALVIS BAY – The new CEO of the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongo RED) Robert Kahimise says he is ready to take the company to greater heights.
Kahimse who was appointed as CEO on July 06, 2013 had been acting in this position since November 2012 when the former CEO of Erongo RED, Gerhard Coeln went into early retirement late last year. Prior to his appointment Kahimise was the general manager for commercial services at Erongo Red. During his appointment he said that he would embrace the challenges of the current electricity shortage in Namibia, coupled with the Erongo Region’s continued demand for electricity surpassing existing capacities. He said he is aware Erongo Red is tasked with the responsibility of bringing the essential commodity of electricity closer to the people in the region where the lowest national rural electricity access exists. “I therefore consider this calling a privilege and will serve by availing myself to lead this company in a sustainable way, whilst continuously exploring innovative methods for making electricity affordable,” Kahimise said.
The new CEO’s responsibilities include the creation of shareholder value by providing direction and ensuring that Erongo Red’s activities support economic development, as well as to create investor confidence. Kahimise has also worked in senior positions at the Electricity Control Board (ECB), Air Namibia, Alexander Forbes, as well as the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Due to his experience with the electricity distributor, Kahimise was chosen as the successful candidate. During the announcement of Kahimise’s appointment, the chairperson of the Erongo Red Board of Directors, Isaac Tjombonde, said only five candidates were shortlisted as suitable for the position out of the 30 applications that were received. Two of the candidates were internal. Kahimise brings more than 10 years’ electricity experience and holds a MBA dgree from the University of Stellenbosch and is also a Certified Regulatory Specialist, a qualification he obtained from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom (UK).
By Eveline de Klerk