Gamma Communications Regulatory News (GAMA)

16 March 2018

Gamma Communications plc

Directorate changes

Gamma Communications plc ("Gamma"), a leading technology based provider of communications services to the UK business market, announces the following Board changes:

After 15 years at Gamma, Chief Executive Bob Falconer has informed the Board of his decision to retire at this year's AGM. The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Taylor as Chief Executive designate. Andrew will join the Board as an executive Director on 4th April and will take over the role of Chief Executive following the conclusion of the AGM on 23rd May 2018. Bob will remain involved in the business over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and handover.

Andrew has over 22 years' experience in the telecommunications industry, and has a demonstrable track record of achievement in previous roles, both in the UK and internationally. Until recently, Andrew was Chief Executive Officer of Nomad Digital, a provider of IP connectivity and digital solutions to the global transportation sector. In this role (2013-2017), Andrew was responsible for establishing Nomad as a leader in the sector, and when acquired by Alstom in 2017, was serving over 50 global customers from 20 offices.

Before joining Nomad, Andrew was Digicel's Regional Chief Executive Officer (2012-2013), with responsibility for all fixed and mobile operations across the Northern Caribbean. In this role, Andrew had responsibility for all fixed network services and business / ICT solutions across 26 international markets, and was responsible for driving significant growth in both revenues and profitability. 

From 2008 to 2010, Andrew was Chief Executive of Intec Telecom PLC, a provider of software solutions, with over 400 customers located in 120 countries, and served by over 1,700 employees. After a period of significant growth and business improvement, Intec was acquired by CSG in 2010. 

In the period before 2008, Andrew held a number of management and operational roles across the Telecommunications industry, including senior positions at both Alcatel-Lucent and British Telecom. 

Richard Last, Chairman, commented:

"On behalf of the Board, everyone at Gamma and our shareholders, I would like to place on record our thanks to Bob for his leadership and dedication to the Company over the last 15 years. During his time as Chief Executive, Gamma successfully transitioned from a start-up provider of wholesale voice services to become a serious force in the business communications market through the development of market leading products and services. During this period, Gamma also completed its successful IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Bob leaves Gamma in a great position with a very capable senior team and many exciting opportunities ahead.

On a personal level, I would like to thank him for everything he has done while I have been Chairman at Gamma. I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him the very best in his future pursuits.

"At the same time, I would like to welcome Andrew to the Company. Throughout his career in telecommunications, he has demonstrated the necessary skills and experience to continue the success Gamma has seen to date, and capitalise on the significant market opportunities ahead. We are looking forward to working with him."

Bob Falconer, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"It has been a tremendous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead Gamma for fifteen years to the excellent position that the business is in today. Having given it much consideration, I had indicated to the board that 2018 was the right year for me to step back from full-time executive responsibilities. I have been really pleased with the support the board has given with this decision and the planning of my succession. I have real confidence that Andrew will both maintain the momentum of the business and bring fresh skills and experience to bear. Gamma is in great shape, with a strong established management team, a highly experienced board, and a great reputation in the market. The future opportunities for the business are really exciting and I'm looking forward to working with Andrew over the coming months as we smoothly transition responsibilities across."

Andrew Taylor, Chief Executive designate, added

"I look forward with great excitement to becoming Chief Executive of Gamma. As someone with significant experience in this industry, I am acutely aware of the strong reputation Gamma has among its customers, channel partners and peers for its innovative products and unrivalled customer service. I will strive to maintain that while continuing the progress the Company has made under Bob's leadership."

Additional information:

Andrew George Taylor, aged 49, currently holds or has held the following directorships or partnerships in the past five years:

There are no other matters which are required to be disclosed in accordance with Rule 17 and paragraph (g) of Schedule Two of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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