Telecom New Zealand taps Simon Moutter as its new CEO

Telecom New Zealand (NYSE: NZT) has named Simon Moutter as its new CEO, replacing Paul Reynolds, who decided to leave the service provider once it completes its demerger.

Simon Moutter, Telecom NZ

Moutter (Image source: Auckland Airport)

Moutter, who currently serves as the CEO of Auckland International Airport, is actually returning to TNZ. He previously served as the telco's COO from 2006-2008.

He will take up his new role as TNZ's CEO beginning this September, at a base salary of AUD 1.35 million (USD 1.38 million), along with short and long term incentives. He'll also walk in the door with a one-off grant of share rights worth AUD 750,000 (USD 771,902).

During his previous tenure with TNZ, Moutter was credited with growing its business services unit, revamping its wireless service presence, and expanding its broadband service reach.

"He was instrumental in the transformation of Telecom in the early 2000s, where the company pushed strongly into the IT services sector with the acquisition and expansion of Gen-I, the turnaround of Telecom mobile, and the rollout of nationwide broadband services," said Mark Verbiest, Telecom chairman, in a statement.

Moutter, for his part, is excited about coming back to TNZ, according to a company release. "I am looking forward to returning to the telecommunications industry, where Telecom, now subject to significantly less regulation, is free to focus on delivering world class products and services to our customers throughout New Zealand."

For more:
- see the release
- Computerworld Australia has this article

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