Blewett: MTN CEO, a pilot, author, chartered accountant, marathon runner and many more

Mr. Stephen Blewett, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, has been CEO of many MTN operating units in different countries.
His experience as a leading CEO stems from a deep passion for his work.
He firmly believes that enjoying one’s job is a prerequisite for success, stating that anyone who does not find joy in their role would not last a week in such a high-pressure position.
His enthusiasm and commitment have made him a dynamic and effective leader, guiding MTN Ghana through both challenges and triumphs.

A man of numbers
Mr. Blewett trained as a Chartered Accountant because of his love for numbers.
However, after spending a year working in the field, he found that the practical aspect of accounting took away the joy he initially had for it.
Nonetheless, his expertise in finance remains one of his greatest strengths.
He holds the belief that while people may argue about different perspectives, numbers always provide the ultimate truth.
This philosophy has helped him make data-driven decisions that have propelled MTN in various countries he has worked.

The helicopter pilot
Beyond the boardroom, Mr Blewett is also a trained helicopter pilot.
Having flown helicopters for years, including the Robinson 2044 and Turbo B47 models, he understands the discipline and quick decision-making required to navigate the skies.
His love for flying is symbolic of his broader life philosophy—one must be multifaceted to expand the mind.
According to Mr Blewett, sticking to only one skill or profession limits personal growth and potential.

A voracious reader and published author
Few business leaders can claim to read two books every day, but Mr Blewett does.
One book in the morning and another in the evening—his reading habit is a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge.
His love for books extends beyond reading; he has authored three books, including a Christian book.
Writing allows him to share his experiences and insights, making a lasting impact on others.

Faith as a guiding principle
For Mr Blewett, faith is the foundation of his life.
He believes that his strong faith has kept him grounded and given him the right perspective on leadership.
He understands that while he occupies the CEO’s seat, he does not own it—it is a temporary responsibility that requires wisdom, humility, and purpose.
His faith-based approach to leadership ensures that he remains ethical, compassionate, and driven by values rather than just corporate success.

The half-marathon runner
Mr. Blewett is an avid runner who has completed half-marathons in various cities, including Paris and Johannesburg.
His commitment to running every month showcases his discipline and determination.
Unfortunately, he sustained an injury that temporarily halted his running activities, but he remains optimistic about returning to the track soon.
This dedication to fitness mirrors his approach to business—consistency, resilience, and a strong mindset are key to success.

A dedicated family man
Despite his demanding career, Mr. Blewett has been happily married for 33 years and has a son and a daughter.
His ability to balance family life with professional responsibilities highlights his exceptional time management skills and deep sense of commitment.
For him, success is not just about corporate achievements but also about maintaining strong personal relationships.

Embracing Ghanaian culture
Since taking over as CEO of MTN Ghana, Mr Blewett has immersed himself in the country’s culture.
He humorously admits feeling the pressure to learn Ghanaian languages, recognizing that understanding a country goes beyond its physical landscape—it is about engaging with its people.
One of his key observations is that Ghanaians have a smile that can light up a room.
He is also fascinated by their entrepreneurial spirit, noting that almost every Ghanaian he meets has a side hustle.
To him, this culture of entrepreneurship is what makes Ghana’s economy so vibrant.

Leading MTN Ghana with vision and courage
When Mr Blewett was appointed CEO of MTN Ghana, his first reaction was fear—not because of doubt in his abilities, but because he was taking over an already successful company.
Unlike struggling businesses that need fixing, taking a high-performing company to the next level presents a unique challenge, he said.
His approach has been to focus on innovation, particularly in enhancing customer experience.
Under his leadership, MTN Ghana has been prioritizing digital solutions to improve service delivery.
He believes that customers should be able to solve issues—such as SIM swaps and PIN resets for Mobile Money—without the need to visit a physical service center.
By leveraging technology, he is making MTN more customer-centric and efficient.

A wealth of experience
Mr Blewett’s leadership journey has taken him across the globe.
He has worked in diverse markets, including The Caribbean, Jamaica, Ivory Coast, Benin, Namibia, Cameroon, Mozambique, Liberia and Congo-Brazzaville among others.
He has a dual nationality-South Africa and Benin.
His vast experience across multiple countries has equipped him with the ability to navigate different business landscapes and cultural environments.
His global exposure has shaped his leadership style, allowing him to implement best practices while tailoring strategies to the unique needs of each market.

A legacy of excellence
Mr. Blewett is more than just a CEO—he is a visionary leader, a pilot, an athlete, a writer, a reader, and a man of faith among many other qualities.
Every skill and experience he has acquired contributes to his success, making him a well-rounded and effective leader.
His ability to balance multiple aspects of life while excelling in his career is a testament to his discipline, resilience, and passion.
His story is one of inspiration, proving that success is not limited to a single path but is built through diverse experiences, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he continues to lead MTN Ghana, his impact will be felt not only in the corporate world but also in the lives of those who look up to him as a role model.
By ELVIS DARKO, Accra