Posts Tagged ‘o2’
Will Harris appointed as Vice-President, marketing for mmO2 plc
Will Harris, 32, has been appointed to the position of Vice-President, Marketing, for mmO2 plc., the mobile business of BT that is planned for demerger later this year. He will manage the marketing of O2 , the customer-facing brand of mmO2 plc.
He reports to Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing and Data Officer for mmO2 plc, who commented: “O2 embodies the Company’s ambition to provide essential, lifestyle-enabling mobile services to its customers. Will’s role is to bring O2 to life for our customers in the UK, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Isle of Man.”
Harris joined Genie, one of Europe’s leading mobile internet businesses and part of mmO2 plc, as Global Marketing Director in August 2000. In that role, he was responsible for the development of the Genie brand globally and for all marketing activity. Andy Hawkins will now assume responsibility for Genie marketing working closely with Harris.
Harris was formerly a board director at advertising agency Abbot Mead Vickers BBDO where he directed campaigns for both Genie and BT Cellnet. Prior to that, Harris was a Director at WCRS for five years where he was notably responsible for the Orange brand-building campaign.
Notes to Editors
mmO2 plc has wholly owned operations in the UK (BT Cellnet), Germany (VIAG Interkom), The Netherlands (Telfort), the Republic of Ireland (Esat Digifone) and the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom). mmO2 plc also includes Genie, which is one of Europe’s leading mobile internet businesses.
mmO2 plc owns third generation licences to operate 3G mobile services in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands - all territories where it has already launched GPRS services. We expect to apply for a 3G licence in Ireland when the application process commences.
mmO2 plc applies to the holding company and O2 will be the brand of the customer facing businesses of mmO2 plc.
BT Wireless to adopt new brand, O2
BT Wireless, the mobile business of BT, today announced that the new consumer brand for the business will be O2. The holding company name will be changed to mmO2 plc effective immediately and upon demerger from BT, planned for later this year, the ordinary shares will be listed under this new name.
The operating units are expected to commence full migration to O2 for their customer products and services in Spring 2002.
The new brand, O2, embodies the Company’s ambition to provide essential, lifestyle-enabling mobile services to its customers. The Company’s strategy is to create one customer brand across its European footprint. The Company currently serves 16.1 million mobile customers in the UK, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Isle of Man. Genie, its integrated web and mobile portal, is one of the leading mobile internet businesses in Europe with 5.3 million registered accounts.
The unveiling of the new brand is an important milestone for the Company in the demerger process. This move follows BT Group’s announcement in May this year of plans to create two separately quoted businesses.
The new brand, developed in conjunction with brand agency Lambie Nairn, follows customer research and evaluation in each of the countries in which the Company operates. The results of the research demonstrate that the brand is recognisable and works internationally.
Peter Erskine, Chief Executive Officer of mmO2 plc, said: “We have chosen a brand identity that is modern and universal. We aim to build inseparable relationships with our customers, by delivering exciting and practical services they truly value. O2 symbolises commitment.”
Milestones in formation of mmO2 plc
David Finch named as Chief Finance Officer for BT Wireless
David Finch, currently Exel’s Group Finance Director, will become Chief Finance Officer of BT wireless, it was announced today. He will work with David Varney, recently appointed Chairman-designate, and Peter Erskine, chief executive officer, on the planned demerger of BT wireless from the BT Group later this year.
David Finch, 45, who will report to Peter Erskine, will take up his new role in mid-summer. He has extensive experience in financial management and planning for a major business with international presence and was instrumental in the merger of Exel plc. and Ocean Group plc. last year. Prior to this role, David Finch held senior posts at Novar plc. (formerly Caradon Plc.) and Grand Metropolitan plc.
David Varney said: “David Finch is well qualified to help develop and effectively communicate our commercial strategy with investors and analysts.
“His substantial experience as board director and his excellent analytical and financial management skills will help ensure that BT wireless emerges as a new successful independent business delivering shareholder value in this highly competitive market.”
Peter Erskine said: “He brings an invaluable range of skills and experience to assist us with the challenges ahead, and I look forward to working with him and welcoming him to our team. This is an important appointment as we drive forward the creation of a new board for a new, major FTSE 100 company.”
BT wireless
BT wireless has a major European footprint with wholly owned operations in the UK (BT Cellnet), Germany (Viag Interkom), The Netherlands (Telfort), Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and the Republic of Ireland (Esat Digifone). BT wireless also includes Genie, which is one of Europe’s leading mobile Internet portals. BT wireless owns third generation licences to operate 3G mobile services in the UK, Germany and The Netherlands - all territories where it has already launched GPRS services.
BT announced on May 10 that it intends to de-merge BT wireless before the end of this year.
David Varney to become first Chairman of BT Wireless
BT today announced the appointment of David Varney to be Chairman of BT wireless on its planned demerger from the BT Group later this year.
David Varney will become Chairman-designate later this month and will work with BT management and Peter Erskine, chief executive officer of BT wireless, in the run-up to the demerger.
David Varney has a strong track record of leading businesses that have improved their performance on a sustained basis. A skilled leader of organisational change, he has experience in both UK and overseas markets gained during his four years as chief executive of the BG Group and, prior to that, in a variety of senior roles at Shell.
He left BG plc., in 2000 having steered the Group to a successful demerger and put in place a strong management team for each of the two new companies, BG Group plc., and the Lattice Group plc.
David Varney said: “The stakes are high in the mobile market. Establishing the new BT wireless company and building on its business success are challenges that I relish.
“The demerged BT Wireless needs to be a flexible, nimble organisation alert to the opportunities in its marketplace. Its focused and accountable management team, led by Peter Erskine, will concentrate on growing shareholder value. I look forward to working with Peter and his colleagues as we drive forward the creation of a new, major FTSE 100 company.”
Peter Erskine said: “I am delighted that David Varney is to be BT wireless’ Chairman. We are determined to be a leader in the European mobile data market and are aggressively pursuing all commercial options to this end. I welcome the inputs that David Varney will undoubtedly provide at this critical and exciting time.”
BT wireless
BT wireless has a major European footprint with wholly owned operations in the UK (BT Cellnet), Germany (Viag Interkom), The Netherlands (Telfort), Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and the Republic of Ireland (Esat Digifone). BT wireless also includes Genie, which is one of Europe’s leading mobile Internet portals. BT wireless owns third generation licences to operate 3G mobile services in the UK, Germany and The Netherlands - all territories where it has already launched GPRS services.
BT announced on May 10 that it intends to de-merge BT wireless before the end of this year.