APPOINTMENT AT PIVOTAL TIME
EX-OPTUS and Telstra executive Samantha Kennedy is signalling a push to grow Pivotel’s brand as Australia’s fourth-largest mobile telecommunications company expands its presence overseas.
Ms Kennedy has taken on the role of head of Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific for the Southport-based company, which provides satellite communications services and mobile-based plans through its Think Mobile and Reward Mobile companies.
She previously worked for Pivotel, which is headed up by CEO Peter Bolger, as a consultant prior to joining Optus as Queensland and Northern Territory director in 2011.
“At the time Peter couldn’t afford me (to stay),” she joked.
“I went off to run Optus in Queensland. Peter and I stayed in touch and when he saw I left Optus, he asked me to come back. He said he had restructured the business, which was growing after expanding to the US and NZ.
“He said he needed someone to run the business so he could keep doing the strategic stuff.”
Pivotel’s services are aimed at people outside of mobile coverage in remote locations, with clients including NSW Ambulance.
It acquired North American satellite solutions company, Global Marine Networks, in September 2017.
Last year it bought Wellington-based Wrights Satellite Connections Ltd (WSC), making it the largest provider of mobile satellite communications solutions to the government, defence and maritime industries in NZ.