Vodafone Fiji Announces Lal As Regional CEO
The recent expansion of ATH operations into the Pacific is a stepping stone towards greater Pacific collaboration as the company strategises and plans to connecting the Pacific.
Vodafone Fiji Limited is a subsidiary of Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) and has been awarded the management contract for a number of operations acquired in the Pacific.
About the appoinment
Board Chairman of Vodafone Fiji Ajith Kodagoda yesterday announced an executive regional appointment for the Group to further strengthen and drive the company’s strategies with Vodafone’s increasing responsibilities in relation to regional expansion, Vodafone chief executive officer Pradeep Lal has been appointed to the role of Regional chief executive officer. This appointment is aligned to support the overall group strategies with the aim of creating regional growth opportunities.
The success of expansionary and organic growth efforts are dependent on unleashing synergies.
With our continuing growth in the region, we aim to become the leader in transforming and revolutionising the Telecommunications and ICT industry in the Pacific.
The key focus of this appointment will be to assist the Group realise synergies, create operational efficiencies, develop strategies to increase penetration and market share, formulate, analyse and monitor performance to support the business plans and create value for customers and shareholders. Vodafone Board Chairman Mr Kodagoda congratulates Mr Lal
Mr Kodagoda said: “Mr Lal’s caliber, experience and expertise will enable us to bring this into realisation; taking our regional operations forward.”
Mr Kodagoda congratulated Mr Lal on his new role and commended his performance as Vodafone Fiji’s chief executive officer achieving numerous milestones.
Mr Lal has been instrumental in creating significant value for the shareholders and in assisting the ATH Group with its regional expansion.
His commitment, drive and passion has been essential to expansion beyond Fiji.
“Under Pradeep’s leadership, Vodafone has grown into more than just a telecommunications provider.
“With the acquisition of Datec the organisation stands firm on its strategic foresight in becoming a one stop ICT provider in Fiji and South Pacific region. “The company has been the recipient of many awards including technology, and HR culminating recently in the World Class Global Performance Excellence Award for a record second time which is a credit to his leadership in all areas of the business.”
About Pradeep Lal
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr Lal has worked in various industries including Telecommunications, IT, Manufacturing and Audit.
He has served in various capacities in the company and has held the portfolio of the chief operating officer and board secretary, chief finance officer, chief marketing officer and the Head of Corporate Sales at different times.
Mr Lal is also a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant with CPA Australia. He pursed his MBA under the British Government Scholarship from the Aston University, UK in which he was nominated as the Most Excellent and Outstanding MBA student.
Mr Lal also holds a Diploma in Project Management and has also undergone the High Performance Leadership training from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
He had obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of the South Pacific.
“I thank the board for the opportunity.
“The telecommunications industry itself is one that is robust and dynamic and I look forward to the challenge,” said Mr Lal “There are exciting times ahead andI am positive of the step further onto the Pacific shores and to replicate the same successes as in Fiji into the Pacific markets. “We continue to explore more opportunities in connecting the Pacific.”
Mr Lal will be based at Vodafone Fiji and commences with his role as regional chief executive officer with immediate effect.
About ATH Group
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited was incorporated as a public company on March 10, 1998, as a vehicle through which the Fijian Government’s investments in the telecommunications sector was consolidated for the purpose of privatisation under its public sector reform programme.
ATH commenced operations on December 16, 1998, following the sale of a 49 per cent strategic stake in the company to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) as part of a tender in which a number of international parties participated.
The FNPF subsequently consolidated its control of ATH in September 1999 after it acquired a further two per cent of the issued shares in accordance with contractual obligations. Government’s shareholding as a result, was reduced to 49 per cent.
In February 2002, Government sold a further 9.7 per cent of its shares through a Private Placement with institutional investors, including the FNPF which acquired further shares.
An additional 4.7 per cent of Government’s shares were sold in a public offer later. Government is currently ATH’s second largest shareholder with 34.6 per cent interest, while the Fiji National Provident Fund is the largest shareholder with 58.2 per cent.