In a recent announcement, Showmax, the African streaming service co-owned by MultiChoice Group and Comcast, revealed a significant change in leadership as its CEO, Yolisa Phahle, stepped down from her role. This transition marks the end of an era for Phahle, who has had a remarkable career spanning over 18 years within the MultiChoice Group.
Marc Jury, the CEO of MultiChoice South Africa, will assume the role of overseeing Showmax temporarily while the search for a permanent CEO is underway. Phahle, who has been an instrumental figure in shaping the company’s direction, will provide advisory support to Jury for the next six months. From March 2024, she will continue to consult with the group for an additional 12 months, reporting to Jury.
Phahle’s journey within MultiChoice began in August 2005, when she joined M-Net. Her initial role was at the BBC, where she served as a host, producer, and sound and vision mixer. Her career at MultiChoice quickly gained momentum as she took on various leadership positions, showcasing her remarkable talent for problem-solving and attention to detail.
In July 2009, Phahle was appointed as the channel director for the Mzansi Magic channels, and in March 2013, she made history by becoming the first black female CEO of M-Net South Africa. In October 2015, she assumed the role of M-Net CEO for the entire continent.
Phahle’s journey continued to ascend when, in November 2017, she was promoted to the position of MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment. In September 2020, her ambit expanded even further with her appointment as MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment and connected video, bringing Showmax under her purview.
During her tenure as Showmax CEO, Phahle focused on the intricate and high-stakes relaunch of “Showmax 2.0.” This ambitious upgrade of MultiChoice’s video streaming service is set to be rolled out within months and promises a revitalised viewing experience.
MultiChoice and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, along with its London-based European pay-TV arm Sky, formed a partnership earlier this year to revamp and jointly manage Showmax. The revamped platform, in which MultiChoice will hold a 70% stake, will offer an expanded selection of international content. Additionally, it will broadcast live English Premier League (EPL) football for the first time, setting the stage for competition with linear SuperSport. The platform will also increase its investment in local content production.
Phahle’s departure from Showmax comes at a pivotal moment for the streaming service as it gears up for a transformative relaunch. Under her leadership, Showmax has made significant strides in the African streaming market, expanding to 44 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and gaining a presence in over 30 international markets.
As Yolisa Phahle takes her well-deserved step into retirement, her legacy of innovation and leadership within the MultiChoice Group and the streaming industry as a whole will undoubtedly be remembered. Her successor, yet to be announced, will inherit the task of leading Showmax into its next chapter of growth and success.
