Ex-MTN exec Christopher Geerdts has joined OTEL Telecoms as chief operations officer.
OTEL Telecoms is a South African national telecommunications company based in Boksburg. Established in 1995, the company is now known for its infrastructure-as-a-service VOIP and broadband solutions.
Rad Jankovic, CEO of OTEL, says Geerdts has been specifically appointed to support the company during its current rapid growth phase.
"Chris' ability to seamlessly integrate technology and business models will help further enhance OTEL's reputation as an independent telecoms provider," Jankovic said.
"OTEL is developing a multi-channel strategy and Chris has been brought on board to ensure the effective implementation of this strategy across OTEL's distribution channels. Our continued investment in the right people will create value for our customers by ensuring the company can deliver on its promises," he adds.
"Attention to business and technology integration will help OTEL hugely in its national expansion drive. There's already been considerable success in establishing a presence beyond Gauteng and I hope to build on that during 2016," Geerdts notes.
"In addition, broadening service offerings in order to provision the OTEL network for the next generation of telecoms solutions will be a key focus area."
According to OTEL, Geerdts is an experienced telecoms executive with an established history of transforming businesses in the sector through the implementation of proven strategy, policy and processes.
He spent 10 years at MTN in a senior management position in marketing and operations.
OTEL points out he has consulted to some of the major South African telecoms operators, and is especially passionate about democratising access to broadband and voice services by leveraging economies of scale.
It adds Geerdts has expressed this passion during his terms as chairperson of the Wireless Access Providers Association, where he was responsible for growing the non-profit organisation's membership by 50% and championing the cause of rural connectivity with government and policy bodies.
He was also a founder and CEO of Signet Information Systems and XConnect Southern Africa Telecoms.
Geerdts' academic qualifications include an MSc in Electrical Engineering and an Executive MBA.
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