New CEO at Seacom as Brian Herlihy steps down

Seacom, African submarine fibre cable system operator, announced that Brian Herlihy is stepping down as CEO and will be replaced by Mark Simpson. Mark Simpson takes over the reins next week on 5 Septmber 2011.

Brian Herlihy will still play a role in the SEACOM leadership as executive director. It’s not really clear at the moment what has caused the change of roles for Brian Herlihy.

In a statement by the company announcing the change, Brian Herlihy is quoted:

I am delighted to welcome Mark on board. His experience will contribute considerably to securing Seacom’s efforts to consistently improve network operations, while maintaining our position of being first to market with new products

Mark’s extended experience ensures that Seacom can leapfrog technology evolutions and develop a best-in-class pan-African solution.

I am confident that our cooperation will provide me the capacity to pursue the correct partnerships necessary for Seacom’s vision to truly lead the development of the African Internet.

The statement also refers to Mark Simpson as an industry veteran with more than 25 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry. Simpson has held a number of senior international executive positions during his career, most recently as President and CEO of Pacific Crossing, a company operating a trans-Pacific cable system between the US and Japan.

In June this year, Seacom signed a deal with Mozambican telecoms operator (TDM) to provide bandwidth directly to Zimbabwean operators. In Zimbabwe, Seacom has bandwidth agreements with PowerTel and Dandemutande.

Recently, Seacom announced that is has invested some US 14.7 million in terrestrial fibre infrastructure in South Africa.