Puma Energy Zambia Managing Director Pinchi Simukwai has resigned from the energy company. Reasons for Simukwai’s resignation were not made publicly available, but the energy company proceeded to announce the appointment of his replacement as Knight Silumesii.
According to information obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT from, Simukwai had a rich industry work experience and had previously served in various portfolios such as Finance Director, Finance Manager and Business Planning Manager before ascending to the top position as Puma Zambia Managing Director.
His replacement, Silumesii has over 17 years of experience in various portfolios in the petroleum industry as well the mining industry, Puma energy reported.Prior to his appointment, Silumesii served as Puma Energy Zambia Country Retail Manager for several years.
Company secretary Kalunga Lutato said Silumesii is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zambia and holds a post graduate qualification in Business Administration from the Copperbelt University.
“The Puma Board wishes to thank Simukwai for his immense contribution to the Company over the past few years and wish him continued success in his future endeavors, as well as to congratulate Silumesii on his appointment, and looks forward to his contribution to the Company,” Lutato said.
The government of Zambia had recently threatened to revoke Puma Energy operating License over what then Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa termed as the company running out of fuel stocks deliberately creating an artificial shortage. See earlier article on Puma energy Zambia by ZBT Puma risk losing Zambia operating license
It is however not clear if Simukwai exit from the top job is related to this spat between Puma Energy And the Zambian government. The fuel supply situation in Zambia has improved but sporadic short term shortages are still common.
