Spark CEO Simon Moutter announces shock resignation

April 3, 2019

Simon Moutter will step down as head of New Zealand’s largest telco in July.

Spark New Zealand CEO Simon Moutter has announced his shock resignation after seven years in the role, effective from June 30.

In a statement, Spark Chair Justine Smyth said the Board of Directors have appointed Spark Customer Director Jolie Hodson to the position. Ms Hodson will take over from Mr Moutter as CEO from July 1.

"The board are particularly pleased that we've been able to achieve a very smooth and professional succession arrangement, and in particular we are delighted that Jolie Hodson has been appointed as Simon’s successor," Ms Smyth said.

"Jolie is an accomplished leader with a strong record of delivering results and managing complex business units and to be able to appoint an executive of Jolie's calibre and experience is a testament to the quality of the talent within the company.

"She has had experience across most major parts of Spark's business since she joined the company in 2013. As board directors, we have had the opportunity to work closely with Jolie over recent years on a range of important company matters and we have been consistently impressed with her business acumen, her strategic vision and her quality decision making.

"We are delighted to have confirmed a top-quality internal candidate, which speaks to Spark's desire where appropriate to develop and promote talent from within."

The announcement comes as the company finds itself at the centre of international tensions regarding its attempted partnership with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei to establish a 5G network in New Zealand.  The GCSB shut down the partnership over security concerns.

It also comes as Spark has embarked a major push to compete with Sky TV over sporting event broadcast rights. Earlier this month, Spark launched a new sports broadcasting service, Spark Sport, which will partner with TVNZ for the Rugby World Cup later this year.

Mr Moutter said he was "delighted" the board had chosen an "outstanding leader" to succeed him.

"I've given my absolute best to putting Spark onto a positive track over the last seven years, so the company can fully deliver on its purpose to 'help all of New Zealand win big in a digital world'. I feel it's the right time to pass the leadership baton on and I am delighted the board has chosen an outstanding leader in Jolie to succeed me," he said.

"I haven't made any decisions about what I'll do after I finish at Spark, other than committing the first couple of months to spending some quality time with my family."

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