Chris Quin named CEO of Telecom Retail, securing his future at the company

Gen-i boss Chris Quin has been  named chief executive of Telecom Retail - the company's key division following the Chorus spin off.

Insiders told NBR Mr Quin was considering his options after missing out on the CEO role to a returning Simon Moutter. One said there was little chance the Gen-i boss would stay.

Landing the Telecom Retail CEO role should secure his services long term.

Incumbent Telecom Retail CEO Alan Gourdie - another unsuccessful internal candidate for the Big Chair - resigned in August (and leaves October 1). Under Mr Gourdie's reign - hampered by the XT meltdown - saw a loss of mobile market share, loss of retail broadband share, and a muddled media strategy that say a retail alliance with part TVNZ-owned TiVo before a return to partnering with Sky TV.

New Telecom CEO Simon Moutter is working on a new strategic plan, which he will unveil in the new year.

Telecom shares [NZX:TEL] were up 3.03% to $2.38 in early trading. The stock has gained 20% this year.

"Telecom Retail and its valued SME and consumer customers are a key strategic focus for our business," Telecom CEO Simon Moutter says.

"We have a sound plan in place for Retail to fight hard for market share in broadband and mobile along with a big drive to lift the efficiency of the operation and better meet customer needs.

“Chris’s skills and industry knowledge will ensure that our progress and pace are sustained.

“It is testament to Chris that Gen-i is in such great shape, with a world-class leadership team, who will ensure continued momentum in that part of our business too.”

Mr Quin has previously worked in Telecom's finance, call centre management and sale and management of service delivery departments. He has also sat on the boards of Ice House, NZICT and the New Centre for Social Innovation.

“Telecom is one of the largest Retail businesses in the country, and an iconic brand,” he says. 

“I am thrilled to take on a new challenge as Telecom competes vigorously in the retail market and makes the most of massive technological changes such as fibre and 4G to bring outstanding new products and services to customers.”

In 2010 Mr Quin was the recipient of a Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award and the Chairman’s Award at the TUANZ Innovation Awards.

Before that he was chief financial officer for Mitel New Zealand. He has a BCA from Victoria University in Wellington.

With reporting by BusinessDesk