Melita plc has appointed Andrei Torriani chief operations officer and Michael Maltby chief financial officer. Mr Torriani has also been named managing director of Melita Mobile.
A seasoned telecommunications executive with extensive experience in leading successful wireless and wireline telecom operations, Mr Torriani's initial focus is to ensure that Melita Mobile continues its success.
He has served as Telefonica O2 Czech Republic's vice-president in charge of all consumer-focused business, covering a portfolio of mobile and wireline voice, broadband and content (IPTV) communications services to over seven million customers, and a P&L responsibility in excess of €2 billion.
Mr Torriani previously served as chief commercial officer of the company's mobile communications business (formerly Eurotel) until it was merged in July 2006 with the wireline business, and rebranded as O2. As CCO, he led the turnaround in market share and financial performance as well as played a key role in the privatisation of the Czech Telecom Group (Eurotel's parent company) resulting in transfer of control and sale to Telefonica in June 2005 of over 51 per cent of the company for more than €3.1 billion.
He has also served in leading commercial and technology roles in telecom operators worldwide with the Wataniya (National) Telecom group of Kuwait, Metromedia International Telecommunications of the US and Austria, and Millicom of Luxembourg, where he established a track record of turning around and improving the commercial performance of several telecom operators in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Michael Maltby is a highly respected name in telecoms circles. For the past 14 years, Mr Maltby has been employed in finance and accounting, occupying various posts in telecommunications firms, including Cable & Wireless plc, Metromedia International, and Star Broadband Ltd. He has particular experience in broadband internet, cable television and mobile telephony.
Most recently, he was involved in successfully raising funds and developing early stage cutting edge, FTTX and HFC cable television networks in Moscow, Kiev and Minsk.
Melita said his experience will make him an invaluable addition to ensuring the group meets its strategic financial objectives. Mr Maltby is a qualified chartered accountant (ICAEW); he trained with Ernst and Young and has degrees from Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
Just days ago, Melita announced it had concluded a €50 million investment programme to enhance its communications network with next-generation technology in international connectivity and mobile communication and said it planned further expansion.
New products are expected across its four areas of services: TV, internet, fixed-telephony and mobile. The company said the new offerings "will continue to place Melita and Malta at the forefront of practical applications of advanced communications and home entertainment technology".
Chief executive officer Stephen Wright spoke of his delight in welcoming the new additions to Melita's management team.
"Melita is living through a very exciting period of growth, success and investment and I look forward to Andrei's and Michael's contribution in making the group even more successful and competitive," he said.
Melita provides cable television services to over 100,000 families and businesses, cable internet to over 50,000 users, over 55,000 fixed telephone lines and mobile communication to more than 25,000 subscribers who joined Melita mobile in the first six months of operation.