By Sarah Falson
MELBOURNE: Freshtel, the Narta Group’s preferred internet telephony products supplier, has announced that is will restructure its board and management team because it expects ongoing growth.
“John Butkiewicz, who has more than 30 years of experience in the global telecommunications industry, has been appointed as Chief Officer of Freshtel. His appointment will allow Mr Michael Carew, Freshtel’s founder, to focus on the development and delivery of new wholesale partnering agreements both in Australia and overseas in his new role as director of Global Business Development,” said a release distributed by Freshtel today.
In addition, Freshtel chairman, Les Taylor, will be replaced by Ken Loughnan AO — former MD of Telecom Australia International businesses – who has been a member of the Freshtel board since June 2006. Taylor will stay on at the company as a non-executive director.
I am delighted to have been appointed chairman of Freshtel. I have enjoyed working with the company in the last six months, and am excited by the opportunities ahead of us,” said Loughnan.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Les for the leadership and guidance he has provided during his tenure as chairman, and look forward to his ongoing contribution.”
In recognition of Freshtel’s presence in the UK internet telephony market and in particular through the Tesco retail group, Tesco chief executive officer – telecommunications, has been appointed to the Freshtel board.
Freshtel became a preferred Narta member in Augus last year. The arrangement now sees Freshtel products distributed in Clive Peeters New South Wales stores and David Jones stores.
“Consumer demand has dictated that we supply our product to the retail market in Australia, although our core business remains white labeling our service to wholesale customers,” said Carew, Freshtel CEO at the time.