David Kay stepping down as GO CEO, successor named

Yiannos Michaelides, Chief Commercial Officer will be assuming the role of  Chief Executive Officer as of September 7 following the resignation of David Kay for personal reasons, the company said this afternoon.

Mr Kay was CEO since 2006.

With immediate effect, GO's Board of Directors has appointed Mr Michaelides as Deputy Chief Executive of the Company until he takes over the role of the Company CEO.

GO plc Chairman, Deepak Padmanabhan, commented: "Under the leadership of David Kay, GO has been transformed from a traditional telecommunications incumbent into an agile, modern and customer-centric quad play organization. Together with GO's management team, David has been instrumental in driving Company's performance and led GO to record significant achievements. These included developing GO into one of the most recognised brands in Malta, establishing a strong presence not only in the mobile sector but in broadband and Pay TV markets and launching innovative products and services across all sectors of the business. Therefore, on behalf of the shareholders, staff and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

On the appointment of Yiannos Michaelides, Mr Padmanabhan continued: "I would like to welcome Yiannos, who has more than 20 years of international experience in the telecom and media sectors, to his new role. He previously served on GO's Board of Directors and in 2011, also assumed the role of Chief Commercial Officer. Doubtless, he will continue the Company's strategy of innovation to provide a superior customer experience. Furthermore, I wish him all the best in his leadership to enhance the value for all GO shareholders".

Prior to joining GO, Mr Michaelides was Senior Executive at Emirates International Telecommunications Limited (EITL), GO's main shareholder, with responsibilities which included portfolio management and value creation at EITL portfolio companies. Before joining EITL he was Vice President of Strategic Marketing at du, the new integrated telecoms operator in the UAE. Prior to du he held a variety of senior marketing and managerial positions with leading telecommunication businesses in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Mr Michaelides holds a B.Eng (Honours), M.Eng from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and an M.B.A. with distinction from Warwick Business School (UK).