Monday, September 12, 2011

BREAKING. Karen Son ... gone? After only 5 months as CEO the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is looking for a CEO!


You're reading it here first.

A developing story and I can spill first ... it appears as if Karen Son could be out as CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) very soon. It would appear that Karen Son is, or will no longer be, the CEO of the NFVF - a position she took over a mere 5 months ago and which is now suddenly being advertised.

In February I told you right here that Karen Son is taking over as CEO of the NFVF, a position she filled from 1 April this year after taking over from the former NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo.

I asked the NFVF what is going on, but the NFVF's communication officer was only willing to say ''[NFVF] council can't comment now''.

The NFVF has issued no statement, nor indicated in any form or capacity that Karen Son, previously the NFVF's chief financial officer (COO) is leaving the NFVF,  stepping down as CEO, or returning to her previous position - yet her job is suddenly being advertised.

While the NFVF isn't commenting or willing to explain what is going on, insider sources are exclusively and immediately telling TV with Thinus that it all has to do with the new NFVF council that has decided ''to advertise for a CEO''. A source tells me Karen Son ''is still with the NFVF, but we don't know what is going to happen or what she will do'' when asked if Karen Son might be returning to her former COO position.

''It's the new [NFVF] coucil that came in this year; they have other plans for the NFVF,'' said a source. ''On Friday we were just told the NFVF is now looking for a CEO,'' said a source.

 The NFVF is suddenly looking for people to apply to become the NFVF's new CEO for a period of between 3 and 5 years which it calls a ''reneweable contract'' and who will be responsible to ''ensure that objectives of the NFVF are achieved''. The NFVF says ''if you have not heard from the NFVF by end of October 2011'' your application has been unsuccessful.

In February the NFVF announced with great fanfare the appointment of Karen Son as the new CEO to replace Eddie Mbalo. The NFVF made special mention that parliament's portfolio committee on arts and culture ''welcomed Ms Son to the position and congratulated the NFVF council for appointing a woman to the position.''

Now, a few months later, the NFVF is advertising that exact position.