Melita plc announced three new senior appointments last week.
Ludolf Rasterhoff has been named chief operations officer, while Michael Darmanin has been appointed director of marketing and business services.
Former head of marketing Malcolm Briffa is now head of public relations and strategic projects.
A telecommunications expert with extensive experience in leading successful wireless and wireline telecom operations, Mr Rasterhoff joins Melita with an initial briefing to ensure the organisation maintains and strengthens it positioning as a leader within the telecommunications and home entertainment industry and improving the service to its customers.
He has served in senior positions with a range of international communications organisations, including director of KPN’s TV and media business and was responsible for launching and building KPN’s TV and content (IPTV, internet media and mobile portals) services in the Netherlands. As KPN Mobile’s director consumer market he was in charge of all consumer-focused business to over five million customers and a profit and loss responsibility of over €1 billion. He also held roles in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions and product innovation.
His latest post was that of Chief Commercial Officer of United Telecommunication Services, active in 10 markets and one of the Caribbean’s premier, integrated and growing telecommunication providers, covering a portfolio of mobile, fixed telephony, TV, broadband as well as an advanced data network services for the residential and business market.
Michael Darmanin joins Melita from Vodafone Malta where he held various roles including head of customer value, head of enterprise and until recently, head of marketing. With his strong business background and 20 years’ experience in a commercial role, he is a skilled strategic professional with a strong track record in enterprise sales and marketing. His key assignment will be to grow Melita’s market position in the business segment.
After playing a pivotal role in the development of the organisation in his previous role, including Melita’s rebranding of the organisation and the launch of Melita’s mobile 3G network and High Definition TV, Mr Briffa’s new tasks will focus on improving communication with all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Melita Mobile said last week it had successfully completed the second phase of an investment programme to improve mobile coverage across the islands.
The investment, part of the €5.1 million network coverage investment announced earlier this year, forms part of a wider strategy that was launched by Melita Mobile to identify potential coverage problems.
The second phase of this investment programme resulted in an improvement in mobile coverage in Valletta, Xgħajra, Wied iż-Żurrieq, Żebbuġ, Għarb, Dingli, Siġġiewi, Buskett, Fawwara, Qbajjar, Kunċizzjoni, Mġarr ix-Xini, Popeye’s Village, Qala, Wardija, Marsa, L-Iklin and Mġarr.
Melita said customer feedback on coverage was welcome at any of its stores or via its portal at www.melita.com.