Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa (VMMEA) has announced the appointment of Alan Gow as the Group CEO, to further bolster the company's existing management team.
In a statement the company says Gow comes with an extensive Virgin senior leadership profile, having been a co-founder of the original Virgin Mobile in the UK, alongside Sir Richard Branson.
Speaking from Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa's Dubai HQ, Gow said: "I am thrilled that my Virgin Mobile journey has brought me to the UAE to lead the dynamic Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa team. The Middle East and Africa region is entering an exciting phase in its evolution, and I look forward to working with this highly talented team as we pursue a strategy of digital transformation, and drive the launch of innovative products and services that put our people and customer experience at the heart of everything we do. "
Gow is said to have been instrumental in growing Virgin Mobile in the UK from a start-up to a US$1bn company in just under four years.
He was also responsible for steering the company through a series of funding rounds and a highly successful IPO on the London Stock Exchange in 2004. This was followed in 2006 with a US1.6bn sale transaction to create the 'Virgin Media' group in the UK, according to the company.
He has subsequently advised on Virgin Mobile's Latin American roll-out, and led the company's expansion in Central & Eastern Europe as Group Chief Executive Officer.
Speaking at a recent visit to the UAE, Branson said, "Alan has been a key member of the Virgin Mobile family from the very beginning of the company and has delivered stunning results for the Group time and time again. With such an experienced and proven pair of hands at the helm I have no doubt that there will be exciting times ahead as Alan and his team lead the way in innovation and continue to shake up the telecoms industry in the region."
Virgin Mobile says Gow has over 20 years of experience in mobile telecoms in both the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and MVNO sectors, having previously worked with the network operator T-Mobile in the UK.
He holds an MBA with distinction from Manchester Business School and is a member of the UK's Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Mr. Gow joins as Group CEO, while Mikkel Vinter remains in post as Founder & Director for Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa.
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