Engin gets new driver for move into triple play

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 31 July 2007 06:48

IT Industry - Deals

VoIP provider Engin has appointed a UK executive, Matt Alexander to replace founding CEO Ilka Tales to drive its transition into a triple play business combing VoIP, ADSL2+ and the TiVo PVR offering.

Engin revealed in June  that it was aiming to become a leading provider of triple play services by signing up as a primary distributor of the TiVo - to be introduced to Australia early in 2008 by its 33 percent shareholder, Seven Media Group - and as a reseller of Optus ADSL2+ services.

However Engin has also revealed, today, that Seven has now granted Yahoo Australia and New Zealand options to acquire its entire shareholding in Engin, currently 34.27 percent. Yahoo can acquire 20 percent of Engin shares if its directors "reasonably determine" that Engin is competing with Yahoo. Completion of this transaction gives Yahoo the right to acquire Seven's remaining shares in Engin.

Alexander is the former MD of Carphone Warehouse's Communication Division in the UK and, according to Engin, he built and operated both the 'Fresh' MVNO brand and 'TalkTalk' from concept to 2.5 million subscribers and £500m of annual revenue in less than three years through an aggressive broadband telephony, naked DSL roll-out, making it the fastest growing telecoms business in the UK".

Engin chairman, Will Jephcott, said that Alexander was the ideal person to take Engin forward in its next stage of development. "With a special focus on marketing, he brings to Engin significant experience in building the fastest growing telecoms business in the UK coupled with media and Internet experience at Sky. Max's experience at growing companies and his demonstrated operational capabilities provide the skills we need to take the company forward during what is expected to be a high growth phase."

Alexander is relocating from the UK and will take up his new role in November. Ilkka Tales, the founding CEO of Engin has, according to the company "transitioned his role consistent with the 'triple play' strategic platform and to execute on that vision." He will remain in the CEO role until Alexander comes on board at which point he will "continue to focus on the many strategic possibilities for Engin," the company said.

When it took on the TiVo, Engin said it would exclusively manage mass retail distribution of TiVo through its current reseller relationships and by expanding these. The agreement also empowers Engin to coordinate product development and marketing of the TiVo brand, to manage the TiVo website and undertake direct sales. The TiVo service will combine free-to-air broadcast content with the TiVo service, including SeasonPass recording and WishList searches.