Vodafone Hutchison Australia announces CTO departure
Vodafone Hutchison Australia has announced Chief Technology Officer Benoit Hanssen will leave the company in late August to join the Hutchison group.
VHA Chief Executive Officer Inaki Berroeta has thanked Mr Hanssen for the enormous contribution he has made to the business through his leadership of Network and Technology.
“In his three years as Chief Technology Officer, Benoit has led the transformation of VHA’s network,” Mr Berroeta said.
“Among his many achievements, Benoit has overseen the launch and rollout of 4G on the VHA network, the upgrade of VHA’s core network, and the commencement of the fibre transmission network rollout. Benoit has also been a driving force in VHA’s campaign for increased coverage and competition in regional and rural areas, including through our participation in the Mobile Black Spot Programme.
“Under Benoit’s leadership, VHA’s network has improved significantly, with the 4G network now reaching more than 22 million Australians. On the back of this improvement, the VHA customer base has returned to growth and we have set new benchmarks in the area of customer complaints with VHA achieving the lowest ratio of complaints amongst the major carriers for the past three quarters.
“While Benoit will be missed by the VHA team, he has been offered a fantastic opportunity. I wish Benoit all the best for his future endeavours.”
Mr Hanssen said his time at VHA has been a highlight of his career, and that positive customer sentiment about the network has been one of his biggest achievements.
“I’m really proud of the VHA network, and all that the team has achieved over the past three years. It’s been a privilege to play a part in the transformation of the network, which is now a network our customers love and trust,” Mr Hanssen said.
“The VHA network is the best it has ever been – it’s fast and reliable, and I’m confident it will continue to get even better.”
Recruitment for Benoit’s replacement is underway. VHA General Manager Access Network Delivery Kevin Millroy will act as Chief Technology Officer following Benoit’s departure until an appointment is made.
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Background:
Benoit Hanssen joined VHA as Chief Technology Officer in 2013. Prior to VHA, Benoit headed the global managed services operation of Ericsson in Stockholm and served as CTO at Hutchison Indonesia. He also played a key role in starting and developing Ericsson’s managed services business between 2001 and 2007. Benoit is originally from the Netherlands where he trained as an Electrical Engineer. He joined the telecommunications industry in 1997.
Kevin Millroy has over 30 years’ experience in the mobile telecommunications industry. Kevin joined VHA in 2013 as General Manager Access Network Delivery, and has responsibility for the rollout of network upgrade and expansion projects including the Mobile Black Spot Programme and EJV site delivery. Prior to VHA, Kevin was Head of Cornerstone for a network infrastructure partnership between Vodafone UK and O2, and Regional Operations Director at Vodafone UK where he led the development of the company’s 3G capability and oversaw the deployment of 3,500 sites. He also previously held senior network roles at Ericsson Telecommunications and Cellnet.