Cable & Wireless Communications named Phil Bentley as its new CEO, replacing Tony Rice, with effect from 1 January 2014.
Bentley was previously Managing Director at British Gas, the UK’s leading energy and services provider between 2007 and 2013. Rice decided to step down as CEO, ahead of the establishment of CWC’s new executive office in Miami, Florida, and will leave the Board at the end of 2013.
Cable & Wireless Communications has set its sights on being the leading provider of mobile, fixed line and broadband communications services in Latin America and the Caribbean region. CWC is investing in its operations in the region, particularly in mobile data, high-speed broadband and customer experience systems, as well as considering strategic acquisition opportunities. It has also committed to reducing operating costs by US$100 million over the next
two years.
Sir Richard Lapthorne, Chairman of CWC, commented: “CWC is entering a new phase. Following our recent divestments, we now have a business with a single geographic focus and a strong balance sheet and we are investing in growth areas of mobile data and high-speed broadband. I am delighted to have attracted someone of Phil Bentley’s calibre to lead the Company. Phil demonstrated his leadership skills at British Gas, combining strong operational capability with a real focus on customer value – experience which he will bring to CWC as we focus our business on a single region, and drive greater operational improvements.”
