National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) has appointed its director of operations Micklas Reuben as the company’s acting chief executive officer (CEO).

The appointment comes days after Nocma deputy CEO Helen Buluma left the company. Buluma tendered her resignation dated November 14 2022 and later the parastatal’s board issued a letter dated November 15 2022, indicating that her contract had been terminated.

Was appoined on November 15: Reuben

An internal communication dated November 17 signed by Nocma human resources and administration manager Prescott Nkhata says Reuben’s appointment is with effect from November 15 2022 until the recruitment of a substantive CEO is completed.

Reads the statement in part: “Accordingly, all matters requiring the attention of the CEO should be addressed to his office. Meanwhile, all staff are urged to continue demonstrating the spirit of teamwork, and dedication, applying themselves fully to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.”

Reuben, who was promoted to director of operations from depot manager in February 2018, holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) degree from University of Malawi and Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Derby.

He previously worked as depot manager, bulk fuels dispatcher and laboratory technician at BP Malawi, now Puma Energy (Malawi) Limited.

In her communication to Buluma, Nocma board chairperson Colleen Zamba said the contract for the former deputy CEO, who doubled as acting CEO for two years, was terminated in compliance with the determination of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ironically, the Nocma board had earlier objected to the determination to fire Buluma.

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