Optus strategy and fixed managing director Martin Mercer has been confirmed as the new CEO of Melbourne IT (ASX: MLB). He will start at the online services company in April 2014.
Mercer will take up the position from acting CEO Peter Findlay.
Melbourne IT’s CEO of 11 years, Theo Hnarakis, announced his intention to step down in 2013 once a replacement was found.
Mercer had been at Optus for one year. Prior to working at the telco, he was CEO of Vividwireless for almost four years. The company was acquired by Optus in March 2013.
According to Melbourne IT chairman Simon Jones, the board was delighted to have an executive who could help “define and lead” a refocussed business into its next phase of growth.
In a statement, Optus CEO Kevin Russell said the Melbourne IT role was well-suited to Mercer’s skills.
“We will miss him, but it’s understandable why he’s taking it on. His time with us has been short but his impact has been significant.”
"We now have a clear fixed strategy, which will play a major role in the future of the company."
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