Former Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker CBE has announced that he is to step down from the Manx Telecom Board after 13 years with the Company. He was appointed in 2003 as a Non-Executive Director and served as Chairman from June 2010 until the Company became an AIM-listed PLC in February 2014.

Paying tribute to Sir Miles, Kevin Walsh, Manx Telecom Non-Executive Chairman, said:

“Sir Miles’s time on the Board has been an era of significant change for the telecoms industry, and for Manx Telecom. As a Board member, his wealth of knowledge and experience has helped to ensure that we serve the best interests of the Isle of Man, our customers and our people. On behalf of everyone at Manx Telecom, I thank him for his invaluable contribution.”

Sir Miles commented:

“Long before I joined the Board, I recognised the vital role which Manx Telecom played in the Island’s development. The provision of first class telecommunications services has always been fundamental to the Isle of Man’s growth as a successful offshore jurisdiction. The telecoms industry has undergone revolutionary changes in recent years, especially the growth in mobile communications, and I’m very proud of the contribution the Company has made to the Island’s economic development.”

Sir Miles added that he was especially proud of the company’s longstanding involvement in the community at grass roots level, and in particular its support for the Manx Telecom Parish Walk.

Chris Hall is to join the Manx Telecom Plc Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Mr Hall has more than 30 years’ experience in the telecoms sector and was Managing Director of Manx Telecom Ltd from 1999 to 2011, since when he has developed a wide portfolio of business interests. He is currently Non-Executive Director of several companies, including AXA Isle of Man Limited, SiRRAN Communications Limited, Isansys Limited, and ManSat Limited.

Gary Lamb, Manx Telecom Chief Executive Officer, added his tributes to Sir Miles and welcomed Chris Hall to the board. He said: “During his many years of service to Manx Telecom, Sir Miles’s advice and counsel has played a significant part in making the company the success it is today. Chris’s knowledge of both the telecoms sector and the wider business scene will be valuable to the company as we move forward.”

Chris Hall said: “I’m pleased to be joining the Board at a time when the prospects for the telecoms sector have never been better, and wholeheartedly endorse the tributes paid to Sir Miles for his contribution to the business.”

Sir Miles will formally step down from the Board at Manx Telecom’s AGM on June 15th, and Chris Hall’s appointment as Independent Non-Executive Director is subject to approval at the AGM.

Photo - Sir Miles Walker.