One year into Virgin Mobile's integration with Virgin Media both Alan Gow Managing Director and Joe Steel, Deputy MD have handed in their notice. Steele is going next month with Gow staying until a replacement is found.
Joe, who served as commercial director prior to the acquisition of the business, has played a critical role in driving Virgin Mobile’s strategic development and commercial performance as part of Virgin Media.
Alan was previously chief financial officer at Virgin Mobile prior to its acquisition, when he became managing director. Having successfully guided the company through the first year of its integration, Alan will step down later in the year, once a successor is in place and an orderly transition is ensured. The recruitment process for Alan’s successor at Virgin Mobile is well advanced.
Alan and Joe were both co-founders of Virgin Mobile in 1999 and have been responsible for steering the company’s development before and during the launch of Virgin Media.
The changes reflect the ongoing integration between Virgin Media’s cable operation and Virgin Mobile, particularly in distribution and IT. However, Virgin Mobile will continue to exist as a brand and business unit in its own right.
Neil Berkett, chief operating officer of Virgin Media, said: “These roles have evolved as we continue to integrate relevant parts of our business and strengthen our position as the UK’s number one entertainment and communications company.
“Alan and Joe have both done a fantastic job and, until the role of managing director of Virgin Mobile is filled, Alan will stay with us to ensure a smooth transition.”
Alan said: “The past year has seen Virgin Mobile become part of the largest Virgin company in the world and we continue to maintain our reputation as the leader in customer satisfaction. I am tremendously proud of what Virgin Mobile has achieved and stands for and I wish my colleagues every success in this next exciting stage of the company’s evolution.
“While announcing my decision now, I will be giving my full support to finding the right person to take over. Both Joe and I are looking forward to some time with our families before taking up new challenges.”
Joe added: “Virgin Mobile has a unique track record and culture. It’s been a real pleasure to have worked with so many talented people to create and build the business through its many stages of growth. It has been a fantastic experience with a very special team and I wish my colleagues every success in the years ahead.”
Alan was previously chief financial officer at Virgin Mobile prior to its acquisition, when he became managing director. Having successfully guided the company through the first year of its integration, Alan will step down later in the year, once a successor is in place and an orderly transition is ensured. The recruitment process for Alan’s successor at Virgin Mobile is well advanced.
Alan and Joe were both co-founders of Virgin Mobile in 1999 and have been responsible for steering the company’s development before and during the launch of Virgin Media.
The changes reflect the ongoing integration between Virgin Media’s cable operation and Virgin Mobile, particularly in distribution and IT. However, Virgin Mobile will continue to exist as a brand and business unit in its own right.
Neil Berkett, chief operating officer of Virgin Media, said: “These roles have evolved as we continue to integrate relevant parts of our business and strengthen our position as the UK’s number one entertainment and communications company.
“Alan and Joe have both done a fantastic job and, until the role of managing director of Virgin Mobile is filled, Alan will stay with us to ensure a smooth transition.”
Alan said: “The past year has seen Virgin Mobile become part of the largest Virgin company in the world and we continue to maintain our reputation as the leader in customer satisfaction. I am tremendously proud of what Virgin Mobile has achieved and stands for and I wish my colleagues every success in this next exciting stage of the company’s evolution.
“While announcing my decision now, I will be giving my full support to finding the right person to take over. Both Joe and I are looking forward to some time with our families before taking up new challenges.”
Joe added: “Virgin Mobile has a unique track record and culture. It’s been a real pleasure to have worked with so many talented people to create and build the business through its many stages of growth. It has been a fantastic experience with a very special team and I wish my colleagues every success in the years ahead.”