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CEO & Board
Chief Executive Officer
| Ralph Chivers (CEO) |
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Ralph has 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry on both sides of the Tasman in a broad range of roles spanning investment management, technology strategy, business planning, programme management and wireless engineering. Ralph’s experience spans the public and private sectors as well as entrant and challenger businesses, giving him an in-depth and balanced understanding of the industry. He has strong hands-on experience of the New Zealand telecommunications regulatory environment from both government and industry perspectives. Ralph has a first-class honours degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Public Policy. |
Board Members
| Malcolm Alexander (Independent Chairperson) |
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Malcolm has been the Independent Chair of the TCF since inception in 2002. Malcolm has wide experience of self-regulatory governance models in the telecommunications, electricity and gas markets. He is currently General Manager Corporate Affairs for Genesis Energy responsible for Business Strategy, External Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Corporate Environmental Policy including climate change. A competition lawyer by training, Malcolm’s extensive experience in the telecommunications industry is invaluable to his leadership role in the TCF. |
| Graham Walmsley, CallPlus (Group Member Representative for Tier 2 Members) |
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Graham has recently returned to the TCF Board. He is the General Manager of Blue Reach, a subsidary of CallPlus. Prior to this Graham was the Manager for Strategic and Regulatory Development for CallPlus Services. He has extensive experience in the Telecommunications industry, having been the Head of Business Marketing for Telecom and Chief Information officer for Clear Communications. Other roles Mr Walmsley has held include Marketing Manager for Countrywide Bank and CEO for Diners Club International. |
| Susie Stone, Kordia (Group Member Representative for Tier 2 and 3 Members) |
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Susie is the Kordia Group’s General Manager Strategic Development responsible for the Group’s Strategic Business Development, Commercial Affairs, International Business, Government relations and Regulatory Policy.
Prior to joining Kordia Susie worked for CLEAR Communications, where she was General Manager of Network Solutions, with responsibility for CLEAR’s local access, data, messaging and call centre solutions. Susie has also had roles in the Government and IT sectors. Her background has strong entrepreneurial, marketing, business development, management, regulatory policy and technology experience covering many industry sectors including IT, telecommunications and broadcasting. |
| Matt Crockett, Telecom |
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Matt is the CEO of Telecom Wholesale & International, which provides domestic and international wholesale network services. He was previously General Manager for Telecom’s Wired Division where he oversaw their retail fixed line voice, data and Internet businesses. Before this, he was Head of the New Zealand Market Strategy team, covering both fixed and mobile retail strategy. Prior to joining Telecom in 2003, Matt was at the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company for seven years where he was responsible for client relationships and projects across multiple industries. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Management, majoring in Finance and Organisational Behaviour. |
| Chris Abbott, TelstraClear |
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Chris has been the Group Manager Regulatory at TelstraClear since September 2006. He has considerable experience in telecommunications regulation, having worked as a chief adviser at the Commerce Commission prior to joining TelstraClear. Chris has also previously held a number of roles at American International Group in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. He holds a Masters of Commerce. |
| David Stone, Vodafone |
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David is Head of Industry Affairs for Vodafone. David has extensive industry experience having begun his career with CLEAR Communications in 1996 and has subsequently worked with a number of other industry members. Prior to joining Vodafone four years ago, David was Manager, Strategic Development for United Networks Limited. David has a BSc in geology (and worked for a time as an exploration geologist) and LLB (Hons) and MComLaw(Hons) degrees but gave up being a lawyer years ago.
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| Ernie Newman, TUANZ (non-voting representative) |
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Ernie has been Chief Executive of TUANZ, the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand Inc, since 1999. In that role he has represented TUANZ on a number of external organisations including the TCF and the Number Administration Deed. He is a Board member of the International Telecommunications Users Group, and was its Chairman for 2002-2005. In his TUANZ and INTUG roles he has presented to numerous international conferences in the USA, Japan, India, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. He is a regular participant in APECTel, the telecommunications and IT working group of APEC. |
Other key people who contribute to TCF operations include:
| Susan Wells, Forum Administrator |
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Susan Wells is the Forum Administrator. Susan has been closely involved in the TCF since its inception and has previously held a position on the TCF Board and a number of its working parties. She has extensive experience in infrastructure industries in both regulatory and commercial roles, with over 20 years experience in the electricity industry and 7 years in telecommunications. |
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