Digicel announces new appointments; Position Dynamic Operator for Further Growth in Key Markets
BERMUDA – Digicel, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, announced that Alan Bates, a 10-year telecommunications industry expert and former Sales Director for Digicel Bermuda and the Dutch Caribbean, has been promoted to the position of Digicel CEO British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Digicel has also appointed Wayne Michael Caines, former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Bermuda, Senator and Junior Minister of Transport, Tourism, Environment and Sport, to the position of Digicel CEO for Bermuda.
British Virgin Islands
Digicel was awarded a GSM license in BVI in December 2007 and the company is set to launch its 24th market before the end of 2008. As one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean, Digicel looks forward to maximizing growth opportunities in BVI and has earmarked US$15 million as its initial investment to build a state-of-the-art network, offering close to 100% population coverage.
Alan Bates, CEO of Digicel British Virgin Island
“As CEO, Alan will leverage his vast experience to ensure Digicel’s entry into BVI delivers crystal clear coverage, excellent customer care and innovative services that offer customers the best value for their money,” said Kevin White, Digicel Group COO. “We are confident that by bringing the real benefits of competition to the market, Digicel can become the mobile telecommunications operator of choice for the people of BVI.”
Alan Bates has worked with Digicel since 2003 serving many roles, including head of sales and distribution for Digicel Aruba and head of sales and distribution for the Dutch Caribbean region. In 2006, he was promoted to sales director for Bermuda where he played an instrumental role on the team that led Digicel to the number one position in the market, increased the total number of subscribers by over 100 percent since 2006, and positioned Digicel Bermuda as the number one cellular provider in the market.
Prior to joining Digicel, he worked as a consultant and held a number of senior sales and management positions in the Irish telecommunications company ESAT.
“I am delighted to take on the new role as CEO of Digicel BVI. This is a very exciting and vibrant market with a fantastic workforce. As the third entrant in the market, I am committed to leading the local team and creating real value for our customers while making Digicel the number one provider of choice for mobile telecommunications in the BVI,” said Bates.
As well as creating local employment, Digicel BVI also plans to become very involved in a wide range of sponsorships, as well as social and community initiatives.
Digicel Bermuda
Digicel continues to expand its global footprint in markets such as Bermuda. Wayne Michael Caines, former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Bermuda, Senator and Junior Minister of Transport, Tourism, Environment and Sport, assumes the position of Digicel CEO for Bermuda — replacing David Hunter, who now serves as Digicel CEO of Jamaica.
Wayne Michael Caines, CEO of Digicel Bermuda
Digicel entered Bermuda in 2006 and quickly grew to the number one position in this market, increasing its total number of customers by 75 percent. Born in Bermuda, Wayne Michael Caines offers a unique understanding of this market and will be responsible for ensuring the people of Bermuda continue to benefit from Digicel’s value, best technology and mobile choice.
“We are pleased to announce Wayne Michael Caines as CEO for Digicel Bermuda,” said David Hall, CEO for Digicel North Caribbean. “Wayne’s exceptional energy, focus and commitment to his community make him a perfect match for Digicel. I am sure that with Wayne at the helm, Digicel will continue to grow in the Bermuda market.”
In December 2007, Digicel recorded six million customers. The company has invested more than US$2 billion in rolling out state-of-the-art networks across 23 markets.
