The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has relieved Mr Meanwell Gudu of his duties as the Chief Executive Officer.
TIMB advised stakeholders in a press statement.
“The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) would like to inform its valued stakeholders that Mr Meanwell Gudu is no longer employed as the Chief Executive Officer effective September 13, 2023”, read the statement by The Board Chairman, Patrick Devenish.
Mr Meanwell Gudu was on suspension pending investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission over a US$2,8 million input deal and was suspended again on Thursday four hours after being reinstated.
Gudu is facing an internal disciplinary hearing by the TIMB for further alleged gross misconduct he committed during his short stint at the helm of the tobacco industry regulator between October 2020 and June 2022.
TIMB has started processes to replace Mr Gudu. An extensive search is already underway.
“Following this development, TIMB has initiated the process of searching for a new Chief Executive Officer who will collaborate with the Board to drive the successful implementation of the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.
Additionally, the appointed CEO will play a pivotal role in realizing the National Development Strategy 1 objective of achieving a 5-billion-dollar tobacco industry by the year 2025″, read the statement.
TIMB committed to continue fulfilling expectations of stakeholders.
