Stephen Ruzibiza, the RwandAir company secretary, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Private Sector Federation (PSF). According to sources, Ruzibiza beat seven other candidates to PSF’s top job. He is expected to assume office sometime this month replacing Hannington Namara, the former chief executive who moved about seven months ago to become country director of TradeMark East Africa. Gerald Mukubu, formerly PSF’s head of advocacy, has been occupying the position in acting capacity.When contacted to comment on the development, Ruzibiza refused to confirm his appointment but also didn’t deny the development. Instead directed this reporter to talk to his new employers, PSF, for a comment. “I think you already have the information. Please give me a week, that’s when I will confirm to you,” he told The New Times by telephone. The acting CEO, Gerald Mukubu, and PSF chairman Benjamin Gasamagera both couldn’t provide a comment by press time, but another source conversant with the appointment said Ruzibiza was given a month to wind up at RwandAir. When contacted, John Mirenge, RwandAir’s Chief Executive, confirmed the development telling The New Times that he was aware that one of his top staff members will be leaving the Airline. “Of course I am aware, thank you,” said Mirenge in a short text message. Who is Ruzibiza? He’s a very private man, according to sources at his current place of work. Ruzibiza is a lawyer by training and has worked with RwandAir for close to three years. New role But Ruzibiza’s profile as a private person is likely to change once he assumes his new appointment which calls for a more interactive person given the very role of PSF, an umbrella organisation dedicated to promoting and representing the interests of the Rwandan business community– by being its voice. As PSF top executive, Ruzibiza is also expected to provide leadership to the Federation by developing a clear strategic plan to advance the organisation’s mission and objectives to promote revenue, profitability and growth as an organisation. He will also oversee PSF’s operations to ensure production efficiency, quality, services, and cost-effective management of resources as well as supervising it’s interaction with external stakeholders and provide leadership to employees. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
