Rain, the wireless internet network provider in South Africa, has announced a significant change in leadership. The company’s founder and longtime CEO, Brandon Leigh, is leaving. His brother, Conrad Leigh, will take over as CEO. Conrad has held important leadership roles in the company.
Brandon Leigh, the founder of Rain, will take on a new role as a strategic board member after growing the company from a start-up to a multibillion-dollar corporation. In this role, he will continue to shape the company’s long-term course by offering senior advisory assistance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Rain recognised Brandon’s crucial contribution to the expansion of the business: “As the founder, Brandon Leigh has been the driving force of the company, growing it from a start-up to the multibillion-dollar company it is today.”
Rain under new CEO Conrad Leigh
Conrad Leigh, a former Chief Technology Officer and, most recently, Rain’s Chief Operating Officer, brings extensive operational and technical experience to his new position as CEO. With his appointment, the company’s strategic vision will continue to be carried out under recognisable leadership.
Brandon Leigh will serve as the CEO of Rainx, a recently founded international technology company, in addition to his new board duties at Rain. He will lead Rainx’s international expansion initiatives and concentrate on product innovation.
“Brandon will take on the CEO role at Rainx, a global technology company, where he’ll focus on product design and driving international expansion,” the company added.
Flashback to Brandon Leigh’s appointment as Rain’s CEO
Rain appointed Brandon Leigh CEO on March 1, 2021, replacing Willem Roos, who was moved to a non-executive position. Before his appointment, Brandon previously served as Rain’s Chief Strategy Officer.
“Willem joined Rain in January 2018 and played a key role in taking Rain from a start-up business to an established player in the telecommunications industry in South Africa,” said Rain chairman Paul Harris.
Harris stated then that this action is consistent with Rain’s intended succession plan.
“When Willem joined, we agreed to a three-year tenure, and so it is natural that Brandon, as an original founder, resumes the CEO role,” Harris said.
“Brandon has been the visionary behind Rain and the ideal person to continue growing the business. We also have a six-month handover period, ensuring a smooth transition,” he said.
Brandon Leigh’s portfolio
Brandon Leigh graduated from the University of Cape Town with an electrical engineering degree. He previously founded Leaf Wireless and was the winner of EY’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year competition in South Africa.
Willem Roos kept his entire stake in the mobile network and continued serving on Rain’s board.
With more than 600 towers spanning Johannesburg, Centurion, Tshwane, and Cape Town, Rain boasts the most extensive 5G network coverage in South Africa. Additionally, the company offers extensive 4G coverage across the nation’s cities.