No redundancies in Telecom executive revamp

Telecom today announced an executive reshuffle as it moves to merge its local fixed-line and mobile businesses.

The changes, designed to organise the telco's services "more tightly around the consumer", would see Kevin Kenrick, formerly Telecom's general manager of mobile, head up a new consumer division.

Chief operating officer Simon Moutter would lead the business division, including Gen-i, Telecom Business Solutions, and the small enterprise segment.

Mark Ratcliffe would take up the role of chief operating officer, Technology & Enterprises, with responsibility for Telecom's network, IT, and wholesale activities.

Philip King would take on a new role as general manager of Video Services, reporting to chief financial officer Marko Bogoievski.

Mr King would handle Telecom's future video and TV services.

"The changes we've announced today are a big step in realigning our business along customer lines," Telecom spokesman, John Goulter, said.

"What our customers are telling us is that they want all the sophisticated technology that telecommunications can offer, but they want it delivered in a simple way," he told NZPA.

"Rather than saying: 'if you're calling about a mobile, you need to talk to so-and-so', this means bringing it all together."

The changes had been in the pipeline for some time and would bring Telecom in line with restructuring at its Australian subsidiary AAPT, Mr Goulter said.

"It is a realignment of responsibilities at the executive level to shape the business for the future."

The changes were flagged in local media reports this morning, and had been expected to result in redundancies -- particularly in marketing and sales.

Mr Goulter played down those rumours, saying there were no redundancy plans in the "foreseeable future".

"In the long-term, it does mean the face of Telecom in five years' time will be quite different than it is today, but that reflects changing technology and changing customer needs."

Shares in Telecom rose 2c to $5.71 in early trading this morning.

Telecom reports its third quarter results early next month and is expected to use the quarterly briefing, to be held in Sydney, to update the market on plans for its troubled Australian unit AAPT.

- NZPA