Mario Assaad assumes the position of group chief technology officer, Eric Viel as group customer facing services director, and Michael Staunton has been named group human resources director.  According to Digicel, the appointments of Mason, Assaad and Viel are strategic decisions, key to its growth plans for 2005.

The mobile company currently operates in seven Caribbean countries and claims an average market share of 60 per cent.  "Digicel plans to further extend its footprint across the Caribbean, and is currently one of five operators being considered for an operating licence in Trinidad and Tobago," it said in an indication of its plans, having noted that it grew its customer base by 33 per cent in 2004.  The company has been operating in the Caribbean since 2001.

"Digicel's staff and management team are largely responsible for our success to date," said Raoul Fontanez, chief executive of the Digicel Group, quoted in a release on the management changes.

"With these new positions filled by Ken Mason, Mario Assaad and Eric Viel, we are well-positioned for continued expansion in the region, bringing wireless users new, innovative services and superior coverage."

Mason joins Digicel from the Lewis Group/Patio Solutions where he was responsible for the business development, corporate and government relations in Jamaica and the Caribbean.  At Digicel, he is expected to lead the company's expansion into new markets.

Assaad and Eric Viel both join Digicel with a combined 12 years' international experience in telecommunications, particularly GSM.  Their jobs will be to keep Digicel on the cutting edge, a step ahead of the customer and way ahead of the competition.

"Assaad and Viel will strengthen Digicel's ability to anticipate, innovate and develop mobile services that customers demand," said the company.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20050306T030000-0500_76343_OBS_DIGICEL_RESHAPES_MANAGEMENT_TEAM.asp