The head honcho of Virgin Mobile’s South African operation, Sajeed Sacranie, has handed in his resignation, less than six months since the company launched.

Local press reports suggest that Sacranie was a hard line manager, but that he has built the company up to be operationally stable and intends to move on as he is not an operational manager.

Sacranie will be replaced by Peter Boyd, presently vice president of marketing for Virgin Mobile USA, from early December.

Virgin Mobile South Africa is a 50/50 MVNO joint venture with local operator Cell C.