Vodafone's Brislen new TUANZ chief

Vodafone's head of corporate communications Paul Brislen has been appointed the new chief executive of telecommunications users' lobby group TUANZ.

He replaces Ernie Newman who stepped down from the role at the end of September.

In a statement just released by TUANZ chair Pat O"Connell says:

"We're delighted to welcome Paul in as the new chief executive. He's got a
wealth of experience in the telecommunications sector and has long been a
champion of the user. He's got a long history with TUANZ, having contributed a chapter to the 'Survival of the Fastest' and the 'Broadband Reloaded 'blueprint for the digital era."

"Paul has been both an observer and participant in the telco sector for the past decade, first as a journalist and commentator and lately as the corporate communications manager at Vodafone New Zealand.

Brislen said he would be taking a "well-earned break over the summer".

It is understood Brislen will leave Vodafone today on 'gardening leave' after four years with the company.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge.

He is expected to begin his new role in early February.

"Telecommunications is vitally important to New Zealand's economic
development and I'm relishing the opportunity to do what I can to help the industry along. It's a vibrant, dynamic, exciting industry and I'm looking
forward to jumping in with both feet."

He declined to comment further while he was still employed by Vodafone.

Labour communications spokeswoman Clare Curran said she hoped Brislen would provide a strong, independent voice for the telco sector.

"There is a huge amount of uncertainty and frustration about ultrafast broadband. The government's secrecy and slowness around how and who will roll out our newest and most important new network for generations is painful and requires more voices speaking out," she said.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE