Telecom operations posts to cut costs

Telecom says it is creating chief operating officer positions in New Zealand and Australia.

Simon Moutter, previously Telecom's group general manager (network), will take on the role in New Zealand and former AAPT chief operating officer David Bedford will fill the Australian position.

The intention is to cut costs by consolidating the operating structure to focus on key business areas, chief executive Theresa Gattung said yesterday.

"Our consolidation of structure will enable us to build on all the progress to date in transforming Telecom into an Australasian online and communications group," Ms Gattung said.

"We're now building a more effective, unified presence for Telecom businesses in each of the Australian and New Zealand geographic markets."

Mr Moutter will be responsible for Telecom's New Zealand fixed-line, mobile and e-solutions businesses, and Mr Bedford will manage AAPT and the group's mobile and Internet businesses in Australia.

The present head of Telecom's New Zealand mobile business, Mohan Jesudason, will oversee the mobile business in Australia, including Telecom's 3G alliance with Hutchison Whampoa.

Graham Mitchell will head Telecom's voice, data and IP network services.