Eircom in hunt for chief as Comb steps down

EIRCOM is on the hunt for a new chief executive, following the announcement last night of the resignation of the current incumbent, Rex Comb.

A statement from the company said that it had “ample time” to find his replacement as Mr Comb’s resignation doesn’t take effect until June.

“The decision gives the board ample time to conduct a thorough search process to recruit a successor and ensure a smooth and orderly transition between chief executives,” Eircom said.

Speaking on behalf of the board, Eircom chairman, Ned Sullivan — who replaced former chairman, Pierre Danon last October — said: “I would like to thank Rex for the great work and achievements under his stewardship including the extended roll-out of broadband to more than 90% of the country; the continued growth of Meteor; the implementation of the Next Generation Core Network; and the improvements to customer service.”

Mr Comb joined Eircom in 2006 — after the takeover of the company by Australian investment bank Babcock & Brown. He previously worked with Babcock & Brown Capital Management and he is expected to return to Australia after his tenure here with Eircom concludes.

The future ownership of Eircom has been the subject of ongoing speculation for much of the past year. The departure of another figure linked to the Babcock & Brown takeover will fuel rumours further.

Another change of hands, of the national incumbent however, would usher in the fifth owner of the former State telecommunications company in just 10 years.